Rhea wanted to tell Fred to leave the surgery to her, but she couldn't. Her fingers trembled as she thought, How am I supposed to perform such an intricate surgery alone? As if sensing her apprehension, Fred said, "Don't worry, I've arranged top-notch assistants for you."

What the hell? she thought. Why doesn't he have them perform the surgery? If they're the best, why are they my assistants?

Although she held herself in high regard, her expertise lay in drug research and development. Such surgeries were outside her area of specialization.

"What's the matter? You can't handle it?" Fred asked, his tone unhappy.

Rhea gulped, forcing a smile. "I'm honored you trust me so much, but—"

"That's all I need to hear," Fred interrupted, raising a hand. He sensed her reluctance. "Rhea, I know you've performed brain surgeries before, and your medical school record was outstanding. Since you've always wanted recognition, I hope you will prove yourself."

He looked at her intently, leaving her speechless. I did perform brain surgeries, she thought, but only as my professor's assistant. Besides—

Before she could continue, Fred shook hands with several men in white coats who had just entered. Rhea was shocked to see her former professor among them. When he looked at her, she nodded. "Long time no see, Professor." He smiled and nodded in return.

"I told you I've found top-notch assistants," Fred said smugly, turning back to Rhea. "Now you're confident enough, right?"

"I'll do my best, Your Grace," Rhea replied, nodding. She realized he wasn't acting recklessly; he was well-prepared. The organization had approached her as a teenager, and the "boss" had been with them even longer. Fred must have planned this experiment for years. Perhaps things aren't as bad as I thought, she mused, and everything will go smoothly.