Chapter 1648

After regaining his composure, Edmund appeared slightly more relaxed, but he persisted. "Dr. Stone, those who come here aren't ordinary people. You're not a nobody either. Dr. Blanc mentioned focusing on the virus, not personal matters. We should concentrate on our tasks."

He paused. "We corrected your earlier mistake in time, preventing irreparable damage. It wasn't reported. However, if there's another..."

"No, no. There won't be a next time!" Dashiell interjected, smiling. "I promise! You're right, Dr. Morris. I shouldn't ask so many questions. Time's almost up; I should get back to work!" He withdrew his arm and left.

Edmund watched him go, shaking his head helplessly before continuing on his own path.

A low, hoarse voice echoed, a voice he recognized instantly. It was his nightmare, inescapable, its sound ringing relentlessly in his ears. Slowly raising his head, he saw the figure perched on a chair—a person no taller than himself.

Mike's hands trembled as he answered humbly, "Everything is ready. You can leave anytime."

"Great! I can finally leave this ghost town tomorrow!" The man spread his arms wide, erupting in loud laughter that reverberated through the room, raising the hairs on Mike's arms. "Why aren't you smiling? Aren't you happy?! We're on the verge of success! Once we relocate, our experiment will succeed! The world will obey me!" His eyes gleamed strangely as he clenched his fist.

Mike lowered his gaze. "I'm not being pessimistic, but I fear things won't go as smoothly as planned."

"Huh?! Are you questioning me?!" The man's eyes blazed with fury.

"I'm not questioning you, but we're seriously short-staffed. And with the rumors spreading… I'm worried…"

"What are you worried about?!" the man interrupted, agitated. "Look at the chaos! This is our moment! Soon, many will die, and the rest will be my slaves!" Mike sighed.

"The virus is spreading rapidly, but the fatality rate is low. The world is working to overcome this…"

"Huh?!" The man grabbed Mike's collar, his masked stare intense. "What are you saying?! Don't forget… your son…"

"I know my son is in your hands. I'm not defying you. We're on the same team. If we succeed, I benefit too. I'm a businessman; my goal is profit. I know how much I can earn if this virus spirals out of control, and we hold the only antidote." He paused. "But… what if someone else makes an antidote first?"