Lily and Mike took a different elevator downstairs. She expected a direct trip to the lab, but Mike unexpectedly led her to a rest area first. Lily observed that every hallway and corner teemed with surveillance cameras; countless were visible, with undoubtedly more hidden in shadows. Her every movement was monitored.

Mike, remaining silent, led her to another building. They ascended, stopping before a door. He entered a password, and it clicked open. Turning to Lily, he said, "Come on in."

Hesitantly, Lily looked at him and then around the sparsely furnished but clean room. All necessities were provided. She glanced back at the silent corridor. Entering the room, she stood still.

Mike, sensing her worry, explained, "This place is usually empty during the day. Everyone's busy with work; they only return to rest at night."

"Everyone?" Lily questioned. "You mean the staff aren't allowed to go home?"

"No," Mike shook his head. "That would arouse suspicion. Not all staff know the project's core purpose. Many don't understand what this place truly does. Plus..." He paused. "...they signed an agreement with the organization. Even if unaware of the research's core, they're bound to confidentiality."

"So you exploited their ignorance, making them complicit in harming others?" Lily's brow arched, anger simmering. "They believed they were developing vaccines to combat the plague, preventing future outbreaks—just like with past diseases. They had no idea this facility, supposedly aiding humanity, was actually researching annihilation methods."

"No, it's not 'you guys,' it's 'us'," Mike corrected. "Regardless of your willingness, we—and the organization—are in the same boat."

Lily snorted, averting her gaze. Even if her aim was to dismantle the organization, her involvement disgusted her. Mike sighed. "Do you know how nervous I was earlier? What you said could have gotten you killed!"

"So what?" Lily remained calm. "I'm here, alive and well, aren't I?"

"That's because he still needs you. If he didn't..."

"He might be dead. Or me," Lily sneered, unconcerned.

Mike was speechless.