Rhea paused. "However, I hope you can provide detailed information about your target."

Fred was puzzled. "Is that necessary?"

"It is," Rhea nodded. "Hypnosis isn't easily achieved. I need to understand a person's life, habits, and vulnerabilities before inducing a deep hypnotic state."

"So, what's the point of your drug?" Fred's frustration grew. "Do I need to provide details on every target? And are you saying you're the only one who can do this?"

"Please, Your Grace, don't be angry," Rhea quickly explained. "That's not what I meant. While R20 has shown promise, it's still in its early stages. I need time to refine it for greater effectiveness, but for now..."

She trailed off, the implication clear: the drug was imperfect, the process more complex than Fred had imagined.

He scoffed. "I thought it was amazing, considering your boasts last time. Turns out it's substandard."

Embarrassed, Rhea said impatiently, "I wanted to deliver a perfect product, but time constraints prevented that. Even so, R20 is highly effective. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."

"Oh, really? What proof do you have?" Fred eyed her coldly, unconvinced. He'd envisioned using Rhea's drug to control Ross, eliminating his threat and simplifying everything. He'd never expected this revelation.

Why didn't she perfect it? Anger flared within him.

"Your Grace, I can prove it," Rhea said anxiously, noticing his displeasure. "May I use your phone to make a call?"

Fred scrutinized her, wary of any trickery. Rhea was nervous, fearing he'd leave without giving her a chance. She'd worked hard to reach this point; losing his trust would ruin everything.

After a long silence, Fred, curious, conceded. "Fine, I'll give you the phone. Better make it worthwhile."

He had someone hand Rhea a phone, adding before she dialed, "Don't even think about calling the police or anyone for help. You know what I'm capable of. Betrayal will have consequences."

"I wouldn't, Your Grace. I'm here to serve the organization. Why would I call the police?" Rhea quickly dialed a number.

The call rang. Rhea watched Fred, her heart pounding under his intense gaze. Finally, a groggy voice answered, "Hello?"