Sir… Mike was unsure how to help Lily. He wondered if she was crazy, mocking the man so brazenly. The man before them was physically deformed and possessed a twisted mind; only such a person could create such horrendous things. Yet, Lily insulted him directly, unconcerned with the consequences.

"Do you know what you're doing? Do you have a death wish?" the man sneered, his eyes, visible beneath the mask, flashing with ferocity.

Lily raised an eyebrow. "You won't kill me, not yet, am I right?"

"You seem confident," the man said, turning and settling back into his chair, swinging his crossed legs as he observed her nonchalantly. His question seemed purely out of curiosity, almost kindly. His earlier hostility appeared to lessen. Mike understood immediately. As long as Lily remained valuable to the organization, the man would not harm her, despite her harsh words.

Mike worried about Lily's considerable risk. He wondered if she'd considered her position once the organization's project concluded. The man's ruthlessness was unimaginable; no one could predict the extent of his resentment or future torment.

"Seeing as you had Mike bring me here at all costs, I'm quite valuable. Since I'm still useful, you won't dispose of me easily," Lily stated, her expression devoid of fear.

The man chuckled. "Aren't you afraid I'll get back at you once you've outlived your usefulness?"

"We'll discuss that later," Lily replied instantly. "Why worry about the future? Nothing's guaranteed. We don't know what tomorrow holds, or if an accident might occur. You might even die before you get your revenge. Who knows?"

Her reckless boldness left Mike sweating with anxiety. While he'd considered similar thoughts, her open defiance was audacious. He looked at her, puzzled by her strategy.

Lily, however, ignored him, focusing on the small man. It was unbelievable that such a slight figure could cause so much chaos, turning the world upside down. She knew, without Mike's input, the man possessed a twisted mind.

Lily felt no need to fear him. Even if she swore loyalty and obeyed, he wouldn't fully trust her. Therefore, she saw no need to pander or pretend agreement. Honesty, she believed, was the best policy. It was like business; everyone was merely a partner. Loyalty and trust meant nothing; only self-interest mattered. Only actions directly benefiting him would convince him of her genuine commitment.