Chapter 1491

"What are you doing? Who are you trying to harm?" Austin's startled cry broke the silence as he struggled against his restraints. A few days of confinement had sapped his strength, though he remained a man in his prime. Rhea, unable to hold him, angrily released him, delivering two sharp kicks to his waist. He yelped in pain. "Someone, drag him to the yard for me!" she commanded.

"Yes, Miss!" He was swiftly seized and hauled along behind her. Emerging from the long corridor, the sudden brightness momentarily blinded him. Night had fallen, and his eyes struggled to adjust. 'Where is she taking me? Who is the person she claims I killed?' Questions raced through his mind as Rhea strode ahead, ignoring him. The laboratory's heavy scent of mingled essential oils, herbs, and spices filled the air, a cloying discomfort. The building seemed deserted.

They arrived in the yard where Rhea sat cross-legged, casually sipping coffee. Tables and chairs were arranged around the space. Rhea's men threw Austin to the ground with a thud. "Rhea! What are you trying to do?!" he shouted, raising his head. This woman is terrifying! He sensed she was toying with him, not yet intending to kill him, but letting him struggle fruitlessly. He lived in a constant state of fear, unsure when her temper might flare. This uncertainty was the most terrifying aspect. More importantly, he realized he wasn't alone in this. Rhea's words hinted she'd used him as bait, and someone else had suffered because of him. He wondered who that person was.

"Hush!" she said, raising a slender finger to her lips. "You're too loud." One of her men promptly stepped forward, tying him up and stuffing cloth into his mouth. Rhea's satisfaction was evident. She looked up at the moon. "Look at how round the moon is tonight! The sky is so beautiful, yet some people won't cherish it. They crave more, even resorting to questionable actions—climbing walls, for instance!" She shook her head, a hint of emotion in her voice. "Or perhaps they're doing this to save you! Tsk, tsk. It's a pity they can't guarantee their own safety, yet risk their lives for you. Don't you think we humans are ridiculous?"

He tried to reply, but couldn't. "Sit back and relax," she said, sipping her coffee. "The show is about to begin." She looked around leisurely. "Some people think they can outsmart me. They'll emerge from that manhole. So focused on saving you, they're oblivious to the danger."