Chapter 224: Deeper into the Abyss

Sierra clenched her fists. Shane. Kason. They were the same kind of person. “This kind of pathetic experiment actually interests you?” she asked, her voice tight with disgust. “I thought your focus was pharmaceutical research.”

“Of course, we focus on pharmaceuticals,” Kason replied smoothly. “This is just a side project, something for fun. A personal hobby, if you will. I find it rather entertaining.”

“Shut up,” Sierra snapped. Her voice was like ice. “I don’t find it amusing at all. What’s so impressive about tormenting the weak? Is that all you’re capable of?”

Kason’s expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Inside the surveillance van, Mateo sucked in a breath. He glanced at Johnathan. The man’s expression was dark, dangerously unreadable. Even Mateo, who had seen a lot, found himself shaken by Kason’s depravity. If he were there in person, he wouldn’t have been able to hold back either. He braced himself, half-expecting Sierra to blow her cover.

But then—

“You mean to tell me I’m wrong?” Sierra scoffed, arms crossed. “Picking on defenseless creatures—where’s the fun in that? If it were me, I’d go after the strong. Nothing is more satisfying than watching the mighty fall.”

Kason froze. Then his lips curled into a wicked grin. “So that’s why you did what you did to the Xander family?”

Sierra said nothing. Letting him believe what he wanted was the best strategy. Kason took her silence as confirmation. His eyes gleamed with excitement. He knew it. Sierra was just like him. She just hid it better.

“Then who’s next? Johnathan?” Kason asked casually. Despite his easy tone, his eyes held a sharp glint.

Sierra smirked. “Johnathan’s already where I want him. No fun anymore.” She tilted her head, her voice dripping with amusement. “But there is someone I’d love to see crash and burn.”

Kason narrowed his eyes. “Who?”

“Shane.”

Kason’s pupils constricted.

Chapter 224: Deeper into the Abyss

Sierra chuckled lightly. “He’s always the one playing people. I wonder how he’d react if the tables were turned.”

Kason didn’t speak. He looked tempted. Sierra knew she had him. The truth was, he hated Shane. Shane acted like he was untouchable, superior. And Kason hated that.

Sierra continued, her voice soft and laced with amusement. “Wouldn’t it be fun?”

Rationally, Kason knew Shane was dangerous. Even his father avoided stepping on Shane’s toes. But—the idea was intoxicating. And Sierra knew exactly when to stop. She turned away, feigning indifference.

“Let’s go. Show me the rest.” She walked ahead, forcing Kason to follow. Then, as if just remembering, she added, “The dog’s owner. What happened to them?”

Kason laughed. “What do you take me for? I’m not a murderer. We paid them off. They took the money and left. That dumb dog just doesn’t know any better.”

Sierra lowered her gaze. She wasn’t sure what disgusted her more—Kason’s cruelty or his casual dismissal of it. As they stepped into the next section, she cast one last glance at the Samoyed. The dog’s eyes were hollow. It no longer cried. It had simply given up.

“Want to keep going?” Kason studied Sierra’s face. “You seem a little uncomfortable. What’s coming next might be even harder to stomach.”

Sierra forced a smirk. “I just don’t like cheap tricks.”

“Good,” Kason nodded approvingly. “Let’s head to the main floor, then.” He led her to an elevator.

Chapter 224: Deeper into the Abyss

As they descended, Sierra took note of everything—access points, security cameras, guard rotations. She was ready for whatever came next. But when the doors opened—she had to force herself to keep a neutral expression. This level was enormous, far more advanced than she expected. White, sterile hallways stretched in every direction. Unlike the upper floors, this place had no cages. Instead, there were doors. Hundreds of them.

Sierra’s breath hitched. Each door had a number. Some had small, reinforced glass windows. Through them, she caught glimpses of people inside. Some were restrained to medical beds. Others sat in corners, staring at the walls with vacant eyes. And yet—the most unsettling thing was the silence. Not a single person made a sound.

“They live here,” Kason said casually, noticing her interest. “Convenient, right?”

Sierra nodded slowly. Convenient. That’s one way to put it. As they walked, she took in every detail. Most of the “subjects” were women. Many were barely conscious. Sierra’s stomach twisted.

“You expect me to be interested in this?” Her voice was cold.

Kason chuckled. “Relax. It’s not what you think. These are all just pharmaceutical trials. Nothing more.”

Sierra said nothing. But she already knew Kason was lying.