"We locked her up in the backyard," Alexander said. "Would you like to see her?"

He suspected Cameron wouldn't want to, considering Rhea's actions. After a moment's hesitation, Cameron stood, replying, "I suppose I should."

They soon reached the outhouse. Alexander unlocked the door and entered first. Despite its use as a prison, the space was clean and odorless. Rhea sat against the wall, appearing dazed.

For days, she'd seemed despondent, as if devoid of hope. Yet, during her negotiations with Alexander, a vibrant energy had surfaced—a striking duality. Alexander approached her, subtly preventing Cameron from getting too close. "Rhea."

She blinked, offering a faint smile. "Why? Changed your mind? If you're not here to collaborate, fuck off! I don't want to see you."

"Well, someone else wants to see you," Alexander said, stepping aside.

Rhea showed no interest in her visitor's identity, remaining slumped against the wall.

"Ree," Cameron called, using her nickname.

Startled by the familiar voice, Rhea turned, her initial shock dissolving into laughter. "Are you here to mock me?" Cameron was momentarily speechless.

"We've raided your lab," Cameron finally said.

Her gaze hardened. "As expected."

She'd anticipated this, especially after the organization abandoned the site. She hadn't concerned herself with those left behind after securing what she needed.

"You know where the lab is. Do you understand the implications?" Cameron sensed she hadn't grasped his meaning and attempted to clarify.

Rhea remained unfazed. "You mean it was hidden in the research center, and my father's in trouble, right? Didn't you arrest him already?" Her apathy stunned Cameron. She spoke as if discussing a newspaper headline.