Chapter 2400

Lily's idea, gleaned from science fiction novels and films, was a last-minute gambit to buy time. She couldn't allow Nick to become the test subject, so she planned to convince Yasmin that her idea had worked, thus ending the R10 experiment. Whether she could pull it off remained uncertain, but at least she'd secured Dominic's release—or so she thought. The old man stubbornly refused, as she'd expected.

"I'll only leave with you!" Dominic huffed.

Lily sighed helplessly. "You know I can't go."

"Then I'm staying. I've lived long enough, anyway. If you don't care about your life, then I don't care about mine!" He gestured dismissively.

Lily knew his distress stemmed from concern for her safety. "Old man…" she said, using a term of endearment long unused. Sitting beside him, she swung her legs as she used to in her youth, softening her tone. "Do you think I want to die? Do you think I don't want to leave? You know how hard I've been trying, right?"

Dominic looked upset but remained silent.

"I have to stay, but not you," Lily said, looking over her shoulder at him. "Yasmin is willing to set you free. Why won't you seize the opportunity? I would have left without you if she'd let me."

"You…" Dominic glared, despite knowing her words were an exaggeration. "Little brat!"

Dropping her teasing smile, Lily said thoughtfully, "She might change her mind, you know. You can still try to rescue me from the outside. Besides, you know the situation here. Yasmin only agreed because she's grateful to you. If she loses that mercy, she won't let you go so easily."

Dominic knew she was right. They had to tread carefully around the unpredictable Yasmin. While Dominic's words had swayed Yasmin, her obsession with immortality remained unshaken. Still, he couldn't bear the thought of leaving Lily behind.

"Lily," he began.

"I know what you're thinking, old man," Lily interrupted, "but it's different now. I'm buying time." She paused. "I need your help with something once you're out."

"Hmm?" Dominic looked puzzled.

Lily whispered her plan, his eyes widening in response.

"Will it work?" he asked.

Lily nodded. "I think so."