Lily followed Mike to their destination. She knew from the start where they were going, but expected them to use the front entrance, not the side. The car arrived without incident.
Although just a side entrance, surveillance and infrared cameras were positioned above. Judging by her own home's security system, this place was heavily fortified.
"Your organization is impressive," Lily remarked, slightly surprised. "They can even access a place like this."
Mike's lips twitched, but he remained silent. Soon, they reached the underground parking lot. After parking, Mike led her into an elevator, scanned his access card, and pressed the button for the top floor.
Lily noted there were only two buttons: the top floor and the parking level. No intermediate floors were accessible. Access to the upper levels at the research institute was highly restricted. She'd assumed higher management used them for project discussions; in retrospect, it likely housed the project's mastermind.
Though she'd never met this person, Lily suspected they'd crossed paths. She even wondered if she'd encountered him at the institute without realizing it. Until now, she'd been entirely unaware of the mastermind's identity. The prospect of meeting him unexpectedly left her uneasy.
In the elevator, she habitually placed a hand on her waist while stroking her belly with the other. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly. To an observer, she might have seemed like a pregnant woman out shopping—far from her actual, dangerous appointment.
"You don't need to be nervous," Mike said lightly, leaning slightly. "I promised Alexander I'd take care of you."
"Thanks," Lily replied with a polite smile.
She didn't take his words seriously. If Mike could protect her, he wouldn't be threatened by the mastermind. He was in danger himself; how could he protect her? Still, arguing was pointless, so she offered a perfunctory response.
Mike noticed her skepticism, frowning as he watched the upward-pointing elevator indicator. He said nothing more.
The elevator ascended without stopping, quickly reaching the top floor.
Ding!
The arrival chime sounded, the doors opening to flood the small space with light.
"Welcome!"
A jarring, high-pitched squeak filled the air, unsettling Lily. She frowned, searching for the source, but found nothing.
She then saw that the entire floor comprised a single, enormous office, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass. The lack of curtains allowed abundant light, explaining the brightness upon entering.
However, the vast, well-furnished space was empty. Only the strange sound persisted. Perplexed, Lily looked to Mike, who seemed unfazed. He strode to the left side of the room, stopping to say, "Sir, she's here."