After hanging up, Rhea glanced nervously at Fred. She wasn't hiding anything, but she knew his suspicions. Mike's words, moreover, could significantly impact her. As she expected, Fred asked, "Invisibility potion?"

He seemed genuinely interested.

Rhea quickly explained, "No, no, there's no such thing. After I controlled Mike, I wanted him to spy. I invented the invisibility potion to mislead Alexander and the others. I never imagined they'd believe it."

She was amused by their credulity.

"If I had an invisibility potion, I'd give it to you, Your Grace," she added eagerly, anticipating his thoughts. She needed to prevent further suspicion.

Fred's distrust threatened her position and her ambitions. His suspicions, if they grew, could derail everything.

"Oh, yeah?" Fred looked her up and down, snorted. "That's not what he said."

"He's not thinking clearly," Rhea said hastily.

"Are you saying Dr. Blanc isn't thinking clearly either? Why would he say their analysis showed an invisibility potion?" Fred's gaze was sharp with distrust. "Are they incompetent, or are you hiding something?"

"Rhea, I know you're smart, but don't play tricks on me. You'll regret it," Fred warned, hinting at the consequences.

Rhea was flustered. She hadn't expected him to take Mike seriously. How could Mike say such things at this crucial moment? That idiot!

She explained, "No, Your Grace, there's no such potion. If there were, wouldn't I give it to you? I even gave you R20—"

"I don't even know if R20 works," Fred interrupted, unhappy. "I took a chance on you, Rhea, but what have you given me? Just empty words. You haven't helped at all."

His words alarmed her. It was a warning. He'd told her to prove herself or face expulsion.

"No, I'll prove my value," Rhea took a deep breath. "Give me information on the person you want me to hypnotize. I promise satisfactory results in two days."