Chapter 2005

-Maria became nervous when Rhea said they were about to leave. “You’re leaving so soon? I haven’t even had a chance to talk to you much. Oh, I had someone prepare the kale soup for you and…”

Before she could finish, Rhea impatiently interjected, “I already told you there’s no need for such things. I don’t have time to have soup. I have important matters to tend to. Don’t you understand?!”

Her voice almost turned into a roar due to her frustration. Maria was shocked and stood there, not knowing what to say.

Mike observed the situation and said, “Indeed, we have important things to do. You can save the kale soup for later.”

His words seemed to ease Maria as her expression softened, and she repeated, “Yes, yes, you can have it later. I’ll save it for you, and you can have it when you return!”

Rhea was somewhat surprised that Mike helped defuse the situation. She glanced at him briefly but showed no gratitude. Instead, she waved and said, “All right, we’re leaving. Take care of him. If anything seems off, you must inform me immediately, understand?”

Maria nodded repeatedly. “I understand, I understand. I’ll take care of everything you’ve entrusted me with!”

After a momentary pause, she seemed to recall something and asked, “Are you sure we shouldn’t tell your father about this?”

“Yes!” Rhea firmly refused. “He can be too lenient at times, and there are certain things I don’t want him to know.”

Maria initially wanted to say something else but swallowed her words and changed her mind after seeing her daughter’s expression. “All right! I’ll listen to you!”

Rhea was satisfied with her mother’s attitude. The former said nothing else and glanced at Mike. He shrugged, asking, “How about I drive?”

“No need!” Rhea coldly rejected the offer.

Mike was calm and got into the car after Rhea before she drove off.

Mike did not initiate any conversation throughout the journey. Instead, he casually gazed out the window to observe the scenery and reflect on everything that had just happened.

‘Rhea is much more cunning than I imagined. Still, I want to know how she managed to bring Cameron here. It’s likely connected to the experiments, but what role can Cameron play regarding negotiations with the organization?’

Rhea drove in silence the whole way. Finally, she stopped upon arriving at the research facility and turned to him, saying, “I’ve revealed things we shouldn’t disclose. If you let anything you shouldn’t say slip, I guarantee you’ll lose everything you care about.”

Mike chuckled. “What are the things I care about?”

Rhea was not in the mood for banter. She glared at him and said, “Don’t play with me. I’m not joking;

you should know what I can do!”

Mike shrugged at her fierce expression. He said, “Well, since you’ve threatened me, I have no choice but to comply.”

Although he said so, Rhea did not trust him entirely. She stared at him intently, seemingly contemplating something.

Suddenly, Mike’s phone rang. He casually removed it from his pocket and glanced at the caller ID. It was Alexander. Mike glanced at Rhea almost instinctively.

Naturally, she also noticed it. Mike was about to reject the call when Rhea said, “Answer it!”

Mike fell silent.

“Wait!” She quickly added, “Put it on speakerphone!”