"What happens after that?" Austin asked.

The group fell silent, frustrated by their ignorance of Fred's intentions. Every day, Fred sent the medical team to examine Lily, providing her with various supplements administered intravenously. Lily insisted Dominic remain within her sight. She needed to ensure his safety.

Fred didn't argue, likely fearing another suicide attempt. The prolonged separation from Dominic stirred childhood memories in Lily.

"Back in the day," she said, "you always said I didn't work hard enough."

Lily reminisced fondly about those times.

Dominic snorted. "I was right! You would have achieved so much more if you'd studied harder. You've wasted your talent." He'd never encountered anyone as gifted as Lily, even in his long career as a renowned physician. He only took apprentices for amusement, yet Lily was the only one he eagerly mentored, and she proved to be the least diligent. Brilliant and gifted, she simply didn't want to be a physician. The thought continually upset him.

Lily said, half-jokingly, "At least what I learned came in handy, especially now."

Dominic was exasperated. "Not funny, okay? She hardly applied what I taught her, and when she did, she almost killed herself." He shook his head. "Why would anyone believe in achieving eternal life?"

"Well, everyone's obsessed with something. Once you find your obsession, it's hard to change your mind," Lily murmured, shaking her head. "Anyway, they won't give up until they complete the experiment. When they do, find a way to escape without me, okay?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Dominic glared. "How can I leave without you? I'm not going to take care of your children, all right?"

Lily offered a bitter smile at the thought of her children. She'd attempted to fake her death, but failed. She knew Fred would never let her go, determined as he was to complete the R10 experiment.

"I mean it, Dom. I must get the experiment over with. You mustn't try to stop me, okay?" she said solemnly, sitting up.

Stunned, Dominic touched her forehead. "Have you gone insane?"