Chapter 1036

"Where is the woman who was in that room?"

Juniper slowed her pace, her tone entirely casual. "Last time I walked past, she was throwing quite a fit. It's awfully quiet today. Did you guys finally kill her?"

"Hardly," the steward chuckled, a raspy, grating sound. "Everyone else on this base could die, and she'd still be perfectly safe."

"What makes her so special?" Juniper pressed.

"She is..." The steward caught himself. His smile vanished, replaced by a cold sneer. "You're overstepping, Doctor."

"Just making conversation," Juniper offered a faint, unapologetic smile, tucking her hands into her pockets.

They continued toward the exit.

"Next time we meet, Dr. Nocturne, we'll be official partners," the steward said as the guards pulled the black hoods back over their heads. His words were polite, but his voice was devoid of warmth, echoing through the cavernous space like a demon welcoming them to hell.

"Whether we become partners depends entirely on how deep your boss's pockets are," Juniper replied effortlessly. "My consultation fee."

"Here is a bearer card. No pin required." The steward immediately handed it over. "Twenty million, as requested."

"Let's go." Juniper slipped the card into her pocket and tilted her head toward Shanley.

Shanley gave a curt nod, playing the role of the silent lackey to perfection.

The steward watched them until the transport vehicle disappeared into the darkness.

"Is everything alright, sir?" a guard asked.

"That Mr. Langley was much quieter today," the steward remarked, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Inform the boss that they have left."

"Yes, sir."

...

Deep inside the Wraithfall Mountain underground base.

In a heavily reinforced room, Theia Sommers sat rigid in a cold metal chair. Her face was pale as she stared dead-eyed at the flickering candles on a birthday cake.

"I want to speak to the doctor. I need to know about Silas's condition."

"He's fine," Corvus Thorne replied smoothly. He sat across from her, holding a massive bouquet of flowers. "It's your birthday. Make a wish."

*Smack!*

Theia slapped the bouquet out of his hands. She stood up abruptly, her eyes red and furious. "Celebrate by yourself. I'm leaving!"

She marched toward the door, yanking on the handle, but it was locked tight. Panic clawed at her throat. If she didn't get out now, her daughter would leave the island.

"Are we really doing this, Corvus?" She turned around, staring at him with exhausting loathing, a bitter laugh escaping her lips.

"Of course." Corvus calmly picked the flowers off the floor and placed them gently on the table. He walked over, his towering frame casting a shadow over her as he looked down at her face. If you don't celebrate with me today. Silas might find himself missing a few unnecessary body parts tomorrow."

"You animal," Theia hissed, her eyes blazing. She raised her hand to strike him across the face.

Corvus caught her wrist effortlessly. The gentle facade melted away, leaving a look of toxic, obsessive possessiveness. "It's your birthday,, so I'm trying to be patient But don't push me, Theia."

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"The doctor said he'll be completely healed in two months," Corvus continued softly. "But losing couple of fingers or toes won't stop him from conducting genetic research."

It was a blatant, unapologetic threat.

"Come now. Blow out the candles. Make a wish. Cut the cake." He sat back down,

his tone freezing over. "I'm losing my temper."

Left with no choice, Theia walked back to the table and blew out the candles.

She pressed her hands together. She had never been a religious woman, but right now, she prayed to whatever was listening.

*One: Let my children be safe and healthy, and let them find each other.*

*Two: Let Corvus Thorne's twisted plans crash and burn, and let him rot in hell.*