Finnegan reeled as if he had been struck by lightning. A bone-deep chill crawled up his spine, leaving him paralyzed.


    "A lie? How could this be... There''s no way!"


    He had ced his absolute faith in the organization; they were his sole motivation to survive. Now, Remy was telling him it was all a lie. How could he possibly ept it? His entire world was crumbling.


    "The so-called medication developed here is actually a new narcotic called Crystal Ice," Remy exined. "If they were truly aiming to develop medicine, it would be a noble feat benefiting both the present and future generations. Why, then, would they need an underground research base?


    "Why experiment on living human beings and dispose of the test subjects the moment they are on the brink of death?"


    Remy, usually a man of few words, spoke with rapid-fire intensity. He had to turn Finnegan''s heart now. "Haven''t these inhumane, ndestine behaviors struck you as strange?"


    Finnegan fell silent, his teeth clenched. He wasn''t a heartless monster. Over thest two years, he had witnessed everything.


    He had seen the atmosphere grow increasingly sinister and the methods turn ruthless. He had watched Sheryl''s condescending cruelty toward others. More than once, he had wondered if his initial reasons foring here were right.


    Frankly, he had considered leaving several times. But each time, his father''s deteriorating condition forced him to stay.


    "If Alzheimer''s could be cured so easily," Remy pressed, "why hasn''t the governmentmercialized such a profitable project? Why would the research be hidden in a ce like this?"


    Remy took a deep breath and pulled out a stic bottle containing a few blue pills from his chest pocket. "This is the medication you''ve been after all along, isn''t it?"


    Finnegan nodded frantically, his eyes locked on the experimental pills he had spent years pursuing.


    "Hold onto this," Remy said, handing it over. "If you doubt my ims, take this and pay someone to analyze its contents. If I''ve deceived you, feel free to report me to Sheryl. But if I''m telling the truth, I need your help to destroy this ce."


    Finnegan''s hands shook as he took the bottle. "Remy... aren''t you afraid I''ll tell on you right now?"


    "I am." A rare, light-hearted smile spread across Remy''s icy face. It was so unexpected and brilliant that it was hard to look away. "But no matter how fearful I am, it won''t stop me from choosing to walk toward the light."


    Finnegan was deeply moved. Truthfully, he was exhausted by this dark life and the lingering stench of death. He had only endured it because he felt powerless against such a mysterious and powerful organization.


    Now that Remy was ready to retaliate, Finnegan felt a surge of reassurance. He didn''t realize that Remy had hand-picked him from the low-level employees long ago, observing him in secret and waiting for the right moment toy his cards on the table.


    Remy had wanted to wait longer, but Amber couldn''t wait. He had to get her out, even if it cost him his life.


    "Remy, I don''t need to test it. I believe you." Finnegan''s gaze turned fierce. "Tell me what do you want me to do?"


    "Don''t do as Sheryl ordered. Don''t administer any medication to the woman in the room at the end of the hallway Sheryl isn''t using her as a test subject; she wants her dead. That injection will kill her instantly."


    Remy balled his hands into fists, his eyes igniting. "Help me get her out of here. That''s the first step. After your shift, don''t return to the base. I''ll put you touch with someone reliable who can provide a safe house. Your safety will be guaranteed."


    "The organization is so powerful... How could I possibly hide from them?"


    "You can." Remy''s lips curled into a confident smile. "Even if you don''t have faith in


    me, you can trust the Taylors of Belbanks, can''t you?"


    "The Taylors?" Finnegan gasped, his eyes widening.


    Remy patted his shoulder. "Don''t worry. Leave the rest to me. I''ll ensure your safety."


    Whether it was reality or a fever dream, Julien could hear the sound The rhythmic


    of dripping water. The rhythmic


    incessant noise felt like a blunt knife


    grinding against his raw nerves.


    His heavy eyelids twitched. His mind was clouded, but through sheer willpower, he managed to force his eyes open.


    He was met with pitch darkness. The void sent a chill through his body. As he tried


    to shift, a sharp metallic nk echoed through the room.


    He realized with a jolt of horror that he was bound by chains. His feet dangled in the air, finding no purchase on the floor.


    "Fuck... Shit!"


    He gritted his teeth, his struggles bing more frantic.


    "Oh, you''re awake."


    Suddenly, a vicious, familiar voice drifted down from above him. Julien froze, a cold


    sweat breaking out over his entire body.