I understand the data, but it seems to be from some kind of experiment. Is all of it experimental data? Are you creating a poisonous perfume using those poisonous plants and drugs?!" Lily was speechless. She hadn't expected such a conclusion. She would have sprayed him if he were present.

"No. As for your work, don't ask so many questions. Knowing too much could be dangerous. Can you forward the data to me?" she asked.

"Of course!" he replied happily. Then, he paused, "Wait, I sent it to your email a few days ago. Didn't you receive it?"

"I…" she admitted, "I haven't checked my mailbox in days. I've been busy."

He didn't blame her. "Yeah, that's what I figured. I've called your home several times, but you weren't there. I haven't seen Mr. Russell lately either. There are rumors he's dead. He…"

"He's fine," Lily interrupted, sensing his hesitation. "You said they were rumors. Thank you for your help. I'll repay you later!"

Anxious to see the emails, eager to uncover the database's secrets, she nearly hung up. Benedict hurried to interject, "Hold on! Call me nosy, but I need to warn you.

"I've worked around those plants and trees while collecting wood. They're highly poisonous, and even locals have been harmed. Be careful; don't touch them!"

Pursing her lips, Lily expressed her gratitude. "Thank you!"

"Why so formal? I'm just—" Before he could finish, Lily hung up.

Benedict was dumbfounded.

Lily glanced at the clock; it was almost dawn, but sleep eluded her. Seeing the light on in Alexander's study, she returned to her room, switched on her computer, and checked her email.

Her inbox was overflowing. Fortunately, Olivia had already processed some of the simpler emails. The encrypted mailbox contained highly private and important messages, accessible only with the correct password.

She quickly located Benedict's email, sent a week prior. The man was patient, calling only after a long wait for a response.

She downloaded the attachment and examined the detailed data. The more she saw, the more frightened she became. Cold sweat beaded on her back. Back at the research institute, she'd only suspected something was wrong. She never imagined the extent of their terrible, private experiments. All the experiments involved poisons and toxins; numerous failures were meticulously documented, detailing the reasons for each setback and providing a thorough analysis. This level of detail suggested an attempt to learn from their mistakes.

'Time after time, the failed experiments involved countless test subjects…including humans!'