Vex grinned malevolently to himself as he reviewed the latest earnings reports for Fournier Enterprises. His cruel machinations were reaping immense rewards, far beyond his initial visions of torment. The company's soaring success lined his pockets along with cultivating such exquisite anguish.

Posing as Dr. Miles gave him unlimited access to feast upon the children's mental anguish. But oh, the decadent delights yet to come! He licked his lips in anticipation. Once their souls were fully hardened, he could unleash them as demonic armies upon the world.

The only irksome aspect was that wretched reporter, Reed, constantly hounding them with inflammatory exposes. The man's self-righteous zeal was downright nausea-inducing.

Three long years Reed had doggedly railed against Fournier in his publications and public appearances. At times, his efforts had stirred up minor investigations and bad PR. But thus far, the profits insulated them from real consequence.

Still, the indignant mortal was proving an annoying thorn. Perhaps it was time to arrange a fitting end for the meddlesome Mr. Hayes.

Vex picked up the phone on his desk. "Ava, send our dear Astor on a small errand for me. There's a pesky journalist who requires...re-education on where his loyalties ought lie."

The special gifts Vex had cultivated in Astor would make tormenting Reed exquisite. How fortuitous the way the broken child's powers had developed, like poetry tailored to Vex's cruelest whims. Manipulating memories and emotions was mere child's play for Astor now.

Soon, Reed's defiant spirit would be hollowed out, leaving just a timid puppet singing Fournier's praises. The thought elicited a giddy cackle from Vex.

Oh, this promised such delicious irony and anguish! He licked his lips eagerly. Perhaps he would attend the "reforming" of Mr. Hayes personally, savoring every exquisite cry and cresting wave of despair. This singular treat was not to be missed.

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Yes, today marked the beginning of a whole new era of torment for his many playthings. The real feasting was about to commence...

Reed could barely contain his excitement as he set up for the interview with Astor in the small cafe. After months of obsessive investigation, he finally had concrete evidence exposing the horrific exploitation and manipulation happening under Fournier Enterprises' watch. Astor was the key to unraveling it all.

As Reed checked his recording equipment, he glanced around warily, making sure none of Fournier's goons were spying on the meeting. Many thought Reed was just chasing conspiracy theories. After all, there had not been a single reported Psi user for years besides Astor. The public saw the boy as a saintly figure. But Reed knew the truth lurking underneath the facade.

The bell jingled as Astor entered, flanked by two stern-looking bodyguards. He gave Reed a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Mr. Hayes, thank you for reaching out. I'm not sure I'll be of much help, but I'm happy to chat."

Reed smiled tightly as Astor's guards took up positions around the cafe perimeter, watching them closely. He would have to play this carefully.

"Astor, I'll get right to it," Reed began, keeping his voice low. "I have testimony from three teens rescued from one of Fournier's research facilities. They described horrific manipulation and experimentation."

Reed slid several documents across the table. Astor glanced down indifferently.

"And you believe these accounts?" he asked coolly. "From traumatized youths likely confused about their treatment?"

Reed leaned forward intently. "Their stories line up consistently. Fournier is conducting human experiments, and you're helping cover it up!"

Astor sat back, regarding Reed, with an expression that almost seemed like pity. "Mr. Hayes, I understand your dedication to this cause. But have you considered you may be clinging to unlikely stories simply because you want them to be true?"

Reed rocked back, stunned by Astor's unexpectedly sympathetic tone. The guards around the room seemed to close in slightly. Reed's gut churned - something felt very wrong here.

Astor continued gently, "Fournier rescued those children from aimless lives and helped develop their gifts. But the work is difficult, so they seek someone to blame. I cannot corroborate any unethical conduct."

Reed stared at Astor, doubt creeping into his mind. Perhaps he had become obsessive, seeing corruption where there was only altruism. The air felt heavier somehow, pressing down on him.

"You may be right," Reed heard himself saying, as if from a great distance. "I let my skepticism about powers cloud my judgment. Your work seems quite noble, in fact."

Astor smiled benevolently. "I'm glad you feel that way, Mr. Hayes. Now let's discuss how you can help share the good Fournier is doing with the world."

Reed nodded along eagerly, a pleasant fog settling over his thoughts. He had been so mistaken before. Fournier was doing important work, and Reed would make certain everyone understood that now.