The Million-Dollar Heart

In a clandestine surveillance room somewhere.

Calista's wrists were bound by handcuffs, surrounded by stark white walls that seamlessly blended with the door. A shiver ran down her spine, and fear pounded in her heart.

She had been knocked unconscious by Percival and when she came to, she found herself trapped in this sterile cell, too terrified to resist.

Had her research on the viruses been discovered? Would that mean the death penalty?

No, it couldn't be!

Lost in thought, Calista was jolted back to reality by the sound of the door unlocking. Her eyes widened in alarm as she watched the door intently.

Soon after, a figure in a black trench coat entered the room. It was Mr. B, who tossed a key toward her without a word.

It was the key to her cuffs.

"Mr. B, what's going on? Where am I? Do I still have to return to the lab?"

Before she could get her bearings, Calista was met with a slap that sent her tumbling to the floor.

Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as the blow nearly knocked her out.

"Fool, who gave you permission to collaborate with Fiona behind our backs?" Mr. B's voice was harsh and undisguised. There was no need for pretense anymore; Calista's identity had been exposed, and from now on, she could only operate under strict surveillance.

Calista was stunned. Mr. B was a woman?

Mr. B removed her hat, revealing Astrid's familiar face, the disguise still in place, "Tell me, where is Boar Poison?"

Calista, regaining her senses, was shocked to see Mr. B's true appearance.

"You're Vivienne's sister!"

B merely rolled her eyes,

"I... I don't know. Fiona didn't give me Boar Poison. She said she'd hand it over at the critical moment for me to use on Vivienne. Today, I didn't receive it."

had thought this might be the moment to seize Boar Poison, but

past transactions involving vital goods for GTO had

Fiona was working alone, never suspecting she had an organization backing her, one with the capability

GTO had been unable to replicate Boar Poison, especially

resurfaced, GTO was determined to acquire

Calista on the floor, Mr. B

placing

though her arm might rip from its socket. The next instant, Mr. B had her by the neck, "Calista, do you know why

Calista. The gentle face before her inspired a deep-seated terror, "I...

tightened around Calista's throat, "I value your medical expertise. If you can't produce the

chill run through her. She was playing with fire, one false step

will, I'll develop it, I'll definitely

wafted up from below, and with a few dripping sounds, Mr. B disgustedly threw

option for you. You'll be taken to your new lab, remember,

her hands disdainfully, Mr. B

in a puddle of foul liquid, shedding tears of regret. Her remorse was beyond words. If only she had known Vivienne was Specter Healer, she never would have crossed

At TCL Labs.

brought

Percy," lab assistant Holden approached, "The director's not here, and we're not allowed in his

nodded, "Carry on

no more, casting a sidelong glance at the

a beautiful woman! But who would dare to look twice at

better, Holden averted his

to Calista's office door,

from nowhere, he slid it through the reader and with

Wolf, you're full