Lily didn't ask Rhea anything; she wouldn't believe a word. After all, Rhea had only come to provoke her.

Dissatisfied, Rhea said, "You don't believe me? Your husband and his associates are at their wits' end. That's why they haven't acted. Furthermore, I've developed a mind-control drug, and they're unaware Mike is under my control. I wonder how you'll feel if I order Mike to murder them in their sleep?" she asked, smiling.

Lily glared, mocking, "Are you finished? Can you leave now? Or are you bored because Fred didn't give you anything to do?"

"Wrong. I'm now in charge of the entire lab. Too bad you won't live to see my breakthroughs," Rhea boasted, pleased with herself. Having gained access to the embassy, she'd come to show off. Her words, however, seemed to have no effect on Lily.

Disdainfully, Lily replied, "Who cares about your breakthroughs?"

Rhea turned to Dominic, studying him. "How did you get in here?" Her eyes narrowed; she seemed genuinely puzzled by his presence and his proximity to Lily. Dominic ignored her.

"Hmm," Rhea said to Lily, "You still attract followers. I'll give you that. It's a shame he'll die with you in his old age." Rhea shook her head.

"What do you care?" Lily retorted, then, thinking of something, looked towards a corner. "Fred, I want to speak with you."

Rhea was perplexed; Dominic stared at Lily in bewilderment. "Lily?"

Lily knew the room was under surveillance; Fred would see her. Even if he wasn't watching, someone would report it. "What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to complain about me?" Rhea frowned, uncertain of Lily's intentions. Lily glanced at her without replying.

Rhea's worry grew. "I'm the duke's right-hand woman. Do you think he cares what you say?"

"Then why are you so nervous?" Lily snorted.

"Just you wait, Lily!" Rhea turned to leave, then paused. "I might go easy on your family if you hand over the previous lab data."