Rationally or emotionally, I could never bring myself to give it away so easily.

But seeing Margaret Miller slipping deeper into unconsciousness, her face already turning blue, I realized she didn’t have much time left.

Having lost my father so young, I knew all too well the agony of losing a loved one. I couldn’t bear to see that pain happen again.

After a long, bitter struggle, I clenched my teeth and nodded.

“Fine! You can have it! I’ll sign the transfer right now!”

I scribbled a quick agreement, signed my name, and slid it through the crack in the door.

“Is this enough!?”

Ethan studied it, then gave a satisfied nod.

Relief washed over me—only to be shattered by the sound of two gas pipes exploding.

I stared at him in disbelief, hatred blazing in my eyes like fire:

“Ethan, did you forget the deal we just made? You’re breaking your word!”

More poisonous gas spread rapidly through the chamber. My lungs, already battered, couldn’t hold on. I coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The corrosive air seared my skin in burning streaks. Pain shot through my nerves, wracking me with sweat until I collapsed.

My research—the weapon I once believed would defend my country—was now becoming my tomb.

As my consciousness blurred, my father’s figure seemed to appear before me, reaching out his hand.

I shook my head violently, breaking free of the illusion and forcing clarity back.

No. I would not give in.

Holding my breath, I dragged Margaret up to higher ground, giving her a little more chance at survival.

The effort drained the last of my strength. Gasping for air, I glared fiercely at the surveillance camera.

I knew those two would be watching, treating this as nothing more than a cruel game.

Sure enough, Ethan laughed with abandon:

“Of course I broke my word. What are you going to do about it?”

Chloe chimed in, her voice deliberately sweet:

“Sorry, Rachel, but I don’t want your research anymore. After all, what if you reported me again later? I’m terrified of that.”

“And I just thought of something better. Tell me, how long can a living human last in toxic gas before dying? I’m very curious. So, you and your mom will be my test subjects!”

Chloe giggled, entirely self-satisfied:

“Don’t worry, Rachel, I’m not ungrateful. Once I publish a groundbreaking paper using you two as material, I’ll visit your graves every Memorial Day. Consider it my way of honoring your contribution, hehe.”