Chapter 1495

Lily glanced back one last time before disappearing into the night. Mike slowly turned, a long sigh escaping him, realizing she was gone. His role as a father? Why would he abandon it? Rhea sat in the middle of the yard, her patience wearing thin after two cups of coffee. Nothing was happening. Her eyes narrowed. She hadn't been wrong; Lily had infiltrated the laboratory. There were no other entrances.

Meanwhile, Austin breathed a sigh of relief, ceasing his struggle. He simply lay down to rest and recover his strength. Time ticked by. He felt conflicted—relieved Lily hadn't appeared, yet also somewhat disappointed.

Then, a door opened, followed by footsteps. Rhea rose abruptly.

"Who allowed you to open the door? I said today's a holiday! No one is allowed back in the lab! How dare you ignore my orders? Who—"

"Ms. Moore, aren't you a delight?"

Mike strolled in, his polished leather shoes gleaming. He slowly raised his head.

"It's you?!"

Startled, Rhea quickly connected the pieces.

"You tipped her off? Told her not to come?"

"Who? I don't know who you're talking about," he replied, feigning confusion.

Rhea didn't believe him. She gritted her teeth.

"Not bad, Mike! Do you know what you've done?! Don't think your money makes you important. It's nothing compared to the boss!"

"My money is insignificant compared to his, but you can ask him if he still wants it," Mike replied, unfazed, even smiling.

"You—" Rhea seethed, helpless. Mike was vital to her boss—his funding was crucial to the project.

"Ms. Moore, you're extremely talented, and this project can't run without you. But don't forget our goal. We need to help the boss complete this experiment as quickly as possible. We're in the final stage. Are you going to let trivial matters distract you? Aren't you afraid of the boss's anger?"

Mike was mocking her, urging her back to the laboratory.

"Don't use the boss to threaten me. If he finds out you let Lily go, he'll be furious," Rhea retorted.

He smiled faintly. "Then tell me, how do you think he'll react when he finds out you killed Professor Thompson?"

"Mike Corden!" she screamed, enraged.

"Relax. Anger isn't good for you. The boss needs you, and this project needs you. Take care of yourself, Ms. Moore!"

He walked past her, glancing back. "Oh, and it's late. Any ghosts you were hunting have gone to bed. You shouldn't stay out here too long. Overeating at night is fattening."

His mockery stung. She watched his retreating back, fists clenched.