Chapter 2401

After some persuasion, Dominic departed the following day. Lily ensured his early morning departure to avoid any complications. The departure was quiet, known to few. Watching Dominic's car leave the embassy, Lily breathed a sigh of relief from the balcony. She anticipated Fred's potential intervention, but knew the Queen wouldn't interfere.

Lily then proceeded to the laboratory. Despite her familiarity with the route, she was surprised to find it still operational. Inside, she found Rhea alone, a piece of equipment humming beside her. Rhea appeared to be asleep, her head resting on her hand, her back to Lily.

Approaching quietly, Lily narrowed her eyes at the equipment's contents. She couldn't identify them, but knew Rhea's experiment was not intended to benefit humanity.

Rhea, catching herself from leaning forward, looked up. Relief washed over her face upon realizing she hadn't missed anything. Instantly, however, she sensed something and glanced over her shoulder. She was shocked and angered to see Lily.

"Why are you here?" Rhea demanded. She had worked tirelessly to secure this opportunity, this chance to shock the world, only to have Lily reappear—the woman slated to be a guinea pig, standing there as if a free woman.

"What harmful thing are you researching now?" Lily asked.

Rhea rolled her eyes. "Why do you care?"

"Exactly," Lily retorted. Turning, she began to leave. Stopping Rhea seemed pointless; Lily chose to leave her be. Rescuing Nick and halting the R10 experiment were now her priorities.

But Rhea pursued her. "Wait! What are you doing here? Her Majesty granted me control of this lab. Stop! Do you hear me?!" Lily's disregard enraged Rhea, who couldn't tolerate being ignored. Quickly catching up, Rhea blocked Lily's path.

"Hey, I told you to stop!"

Lily stopped, looking at her with amusement. "Why should I listen to you?"

"You little—" Rhea began, then checked herself, realizing she couldn't win an argument with Lily. Her tone softened. "There's sensitive equipment here; you might accidentally touch something you shouldn't. Besides," she continued, "Her Majesty entrusted this place to me. I don't know why you're here, but you mustn't disturb my experiment. It's imperative!"