Chapter 681:
“Not yet,” Jareth replied quickly. “However, there are rumors she was recently seen in the heart of Vrining.”
“Continue,” Verruckt prompted, leaning forward slightly, his interest piqued.
“Yes,” Jareth went on, sensing the rare flicker of curiosity in his boss’s eyes. “Every time they think they’ve found her, she slips through their fingers. It’s driving the executives at Immortality Group to their breaking point. Whenever they lose her trail, they vent their frustration on the test subjects.”
The identity of this elusive researcher remained a mystery. The only known fact was that years ago, she had fled Vrining, taking with her a chip stolen from Immortality Group, all while pregnant. She had disappeared without leaving a trace.
Hearing this, Verruckt frowned, his eyes darkening, a murderous glint turning his rose-colored eyes into a shade almost like fresh blood.
“Those old fools are still clinging to their foolish dreams of achieving eternal life in the digital world,” he sneered, leaning back on the plush leather couch, one leg draped over the other. Without missing a beat, he shifted the conversation. “Is Alice still working on the lower floor?”
Jareth blinked, momentarily thrown by the sudden question about Allison. He glanced nervously at the intimidating figure before him.
“I haven’t seen Alice today, sir, but she should be stationed on the lower level as usual.”
Despite the fact that the second basement was technically part of…
Of Verruckt’s office suite, the area they were in now was essentially the nerve center of the lab. Curiously, since Allison had been reassigned to that area, Verruckt hadn’t paid her any visits, almost as if he were deliberately avoiding her. But Jareth quickly dismissed the absurd thought. There was no way Verruckt would ever avoid anyone. Simply sparing her was already an unusual act of mercy.
“Keep a close watch on her,” Verruckt instructed, adjusting his tie with a flick of his wrist. When he opened his eyes again, the crimson intensity had softened just a bit.
“Everyone out. I’m going to rest here.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jareth breathed a quiet sigh of relief, ushering the others out of the room. Once the door clicked shut, a thick silence filled the office. Verruckt dimmed the lights, leaving only two small lamps casting a dim glow.
Hidden in the shadows, Allison felt her anxiety spike. Why was he staying here instead of heading to his private quarters?
Then, she saw Verruckt rise and walk toward a wardrobe tucked in the corner. Damn it. Only then did she realize the wardrobe was uncomfortably close to her hiding spot. If Verruckt turned around, he would catch sight of her instantly. The tension in the room grew unbearable.
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