The texter instructed Maria to keep the matter secret from Fabian and everyone else. Maria readily agreed, driven by the hope of her baby daughter's return. Following the texter's directions, Maria arrived at a deserted poker house, finding only a bag awaiting her.
Overwhelmed by a fresh wave of sadness and pain, her phone buzzed. A text message: "Keep those things well. Wait for me to come home." These simple words unexpectedly renewed her strength. "Wait for me to come home," she thought, "That must be Rhea!" Her heart pounded; she clutched her phone to her chest. Two more messages arrived: "I booked the room for four hours. You can rest before leaving to avoid suspicion. Hide those things well when you go home. Also, delete all the texts from your phone."
Maria replied, "When can you meet me then?" She waited, but received no response. She started to compose another message but deleted it halfway, understanding Rhea's communication style.
Though disappointed at not seeing or hearing from Rhea, the confirmation of her daughter's survival was enough. Hope surged; life felt worthwhile again. "As long as Rhea is still alive, nothing else matters," she thought. "I would do anything for Rhea."
She carefully secured the black bag in her handbag, then rested on the couch, finally succumbing to exhaustion. Sleep came quickly after days of crying, insomnia, and lack of appetite.
Meanwhile, Lily entered the office, casually seated herself opposite the masked man. She comfortably arranged a cushion behind her back, displaying a relaxed demeanor. The man's masked gaze followed her every move. He sneered, "You're really not afraid of me, huh?"
Lily chuckled, "Afraid? Why would I be? Should I fear you, or the poisons you're experimenting with?" She raised her hands, dusting them as if removing dirt. "I've handled more poisons than you know." Mike, observing from the sidelines, was speechless.
The man remained unfazed. "You've worked here for a couple of days now. Can you tell me about your progress?"
Lily responded mockingly, "You said I've only been here for a few days; what progress do you expect? How long have you been working on this research? Do you think I'm God?"