Chapter 172 The Gamble

Now that Dane had joined the organization, there were so many important projects and secrets that even the smallest leak could lead to unimaginable consequences.

Queen was like a double-edged sword—a risky bet. If it paid off, the positive impact could be beyond anyone’s imagination.

Before the organization played this high-stakes game, they needed every preparation to be in place.

“I understand, sir,” Kaleb said.

“By the way, Queen also asked me to pass on a message to Professor Kerrigan.”

Kaleb reported this to Manfred.

Manfred’s brow furrowed ever so slightly. “Is that all?”

The last name “Kerrigan” and an old man with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.

Who is he?

The man shared the same last name as Professor Kerrigan.

It was a rather unique surname.

Is he a relative?

Manfred couldn’t remember ever meeting anyone like that.

“Yes, sir. Please, I can tell Queen means no harm. She genuinely wants to join us and serve the country.

“I know I’m not supposed to let emotions cloud my judgment. But you’ve said it yourself—my instincts are usually spot-on. I hope you’ll at least take my judgment into account.”

Kaleb wasn’t chosen for his abilities or negotiation skills. There was another reason Manfred had insisted on Kaleb being the liaison for the organization.

Kaleb’s gut feeling was almost never wrong.

As the liaison for Lab Seven, Kaleb had to deal with all sorts of people, including Tilda.

If someone tried to trick him, Kaleb would always catch on.

Tilda was the dark web’s top hacker. That title alone was proof of her talent.

Even Manfred himself wasn’t sure he could see through Tilda’s real intentions.

If Tilda truly wanted to hide her real self and pretend to be sweet and harmless, no amount of clever words would ever give away her true intentions.

That’s why Kaleb’s gut feeling was so important—just as important as any skill or ability.

“I understand.”

“Sir, do you mean… ?”

Kaleb’s face lit up with excitement.

Was Manfred really about to say yes?

“Don’t jump the gun. This is a huge decision. I need more time to think about this. For now, just stay in Slosa and have more contact with Queen. When the time’s right, I’ll give her the assignment.”

“Oh…” Kaleb was a little disappointed, but he got the message.

After hanging up, Manfred pulled a cigarette from his pack and lit it. He took a few long drags, blowing out a couple of smoke rings before putting it out in the ashtray.

He left the lab and headed deeper into the research center.

Manfred stepped into the elevator, swiped his ID card, did the iris scan, and got fully disinfected—every strict procedure.

Finally, Manfred arrived at the lowest level of the base.

This was the heart of Lab Seven.

It was where the nation’s most important projects were being developed.

Some of these projects had been stuck for ages. With a genius like Dane on board, everything was moving fast again.

Maybe even faster than ever.

Every time a staff member saw Manfred, they stopped what they were doing and greeted Manfred with respect.

Manfred waved them off and headed straight for a man in a white lab coat.

The man stood about six feet two, with short, tidy hair.

He had thick, long eyelashes and sharply arched eyebrows. His skin was smooth, and his features were bold and striking.

This man had the look of a model, but it was his eyes that stood out most.

Most of the time, those eyes seemed cold and emotionless. Whenever he was deep in his research, they burned with a fiery focus that made people hesitate to get too close.

People were almost afraid of getting burned by that fire in his eyes, or maybe they were worried they’d be swept up by it too.

The man in front of Manfred seemed born for science, with an IQ that was off the charts.

Dane was so absorbed in his research. He didn’t notice Manfred had walked up behind him.

Manfred didn’t rush to interrupt.

He just watched, fascinated by Dane’s work, even though, honestly, he couldn’t understand any of it.

An hour went by.

Finally, Dane pulled his eyes away from the screen and let out a long, relieved breath.

Rows of numbers flashed across the computer, moving like a dazzling piece of music.

With a final click, he sent his results.

Dane finally noticed Manfred standing beside him.

He didn’t speak. Dane simply looked over, hinting with his eyes about what brought him there.

“Professor Kerrigan,” Manfred said quietly, “I know you’re busy; sorry to interrupt. Someone asked me to pass on a message for you.”

After thinking it over, Manfred decided he should share Queen’s message with Dane.

Maybe he even hoped this would help him get on Queen’s good side.

Dane was a national treasure. Someone the country wanted to protect at all costs.

But Manfred knew Dane couldn’t stay hidden away in Lab Seven forever.

If Queen joined their team, Lab Seven would be stronger than ever.

Even though Manfred still had to test Queen’s loyalty, deep down, he was already leaning toward letting her join the team.