Chapter 1452

Before Austin could think further, he heard Rhea's voice, even colder now, from outside. Her words carried a distinct warning.

"Professor Thompson, I understand you're old-fashioned, but you must understand that you no longer have full control of the experiment. Do you want to stop it? That's impossible! You can't quit! You're different from Lily; you know far too much!"

Austin heard no reply from Thompson, only the older man's long sigh. Professor Thompson must be feeling helpless, he thought. But what had just transpired left Austin reeling. He hadn't expected Rhea's rudeness, her veiled threat. Suddenly, he felt utterly ignorant of this research. Who's the superior they're talking about? Is someone else in control besides the investors? After all his time and effort, he'd believed himself close to success. Now, he realized he was an idiot, having never grasped the research's core.

The sudden silence amplified Austin's heartbeat. He pressed a hand to his chest, disbelieving his accidental discovery. This research institute was far more complex than he'd imagined.

"I got it. Don't worry. I wouldn't do anything; I can't," Thompson said helplessly. "That's best! You know I didn't want to say this, alright?"

The clicking of Rhea's heels faded. She was leaving, perhaps. Just as Austin breathed a sigh of relief, her footsteps stopped.

"Professor Thompson," she asked, "did you lock the door when you left?"

Horror seized Austin. Thompson, still dazed, replied after a moment, "Huh? Oh, I don't think so."

If you didn't… Austin thought.

The clicking of her heels drew closer, stopping directly outside the door. Austin held his breath, feeling as though Rhea could see him through the wood. He was on one side, she on the other. If she opened the door…

After what felt like an eternity, he heard her leave, without opening the door.

"Professor Thompson, please lock the door when you leave. We're in the final stages, and no one wants problems."

Austin thought he heard Thompson's reply, or perhaps it was his imagination. Finally, he exhaled, his back soaked in sweat—a sensation entirely new to him. He felt like a thief trespassing in enemy territory, his legs numb, his body drained of strength.

What kind of conspiracy am I involved in? Even though Rhea had gone, Thompson remained outside. Leaving was still a problem; Thompson could return at any moment. Austin regretted his actions. Why did I hide here? I should have left and remained ignorant. Curiosity killed the cat, I guess. I want to know what the institute is doing, but the answer probably won't be pleasant. And it'll probably endanger me.

Lost in thought, the door suddenly opened.