Mike relaxed, seeing the agitated Rhea and the nearly lifeless “boss.” He was intrigued by Rhea’s proposition.

“So, tell me,” he began, casually pulling up a chair, “how can we cooperate? How will we fight this organization?”

Rhea looked at him firmly. “I still have leverage.”

“Oh?” Mike raised an eyebrow, smiling. “What leverage? Don’t tell me you have a more powerful virus that can force their hand.”

“What makes you think I don’t?” she sneered, radiating confidence.

Mike, initially dismissive, began to harbor doubts. Does she genuinely have something we can use?

“What’s your leverage?” he asked again.

“That’s not your concern. Just know we have bargaining power,” Rhea replied. “Mike, will you cooperate or not?”

Mike collected his thoughts, lowering his gaze. He needed to remain calm and resist her influence. Rhea was exceptionally eloquent and calculating; he couldn’t fall into her trap. Who knows what her real intentions are?

After considering this, he looked at her. “Since you have leverage, why cooperate with me? You can negotiate with the organization yourself.”

He stared into her eyes, searching for any hesitation. Rhea’s response was immediate. “I need you to pave the way.”

“Me? Pave the way?” Mike was puzzled.

“I know you can reach the organization; I can’t,” Rhea explained. “I need you as a middleman. They’ll be interested in what I have.”

Mike burst into laughter. “I think there’s a misunderstanding. Why would I have access to the organization? Besides him and Rick, no one can reach them. I’m no different from you.” He gestured towards the “boss.” “Instead of me, why not ask him?”

“Him?” Rhea glanced at the man disdainfully. “He’s a castaway, useless.”

“But he can still contact them. He’s not entirely useless.”

“Do you think he’ll talk?” Rhea suddenly grabbed the man’s neck, tilting his head back.

This action revealed the man’s face, causing Mike to gasp. His already terrifying appearance was even more horrific; new scars marred his flesh, not like knife cuts, but as if forcibly ripped apart.

A shiver ran down Mike’s spine. His eyes widened, but after a moment, he averted his gaze, unable to bear the sight.