To give credit where it was due.
Project Zero-Transit definitely didn't lack funding.
And they were refreshingly quick to open their wallets.
But Serena merely smirked, her greedy amusement deepening.
Silas watched in horror as Asset 07 lunged toward the huddled group of doctors.
The beast was completely unhinged, bleeding out rapidly. It didn't look like he would last much longer.
Gritting his teeth, Silas yelled, "Ten million! Miss Serena, if you act right now, ten million dollars will be wired to your account immediately!"
Serena tilted her head, finally looking somewhat interested.
She raised a slender finger. "Fifteen million. And... I want The Specimen Seven Dossier."
Silas's expression hardened.
An extra five million wasn't the issue.
But the complete treatment dossier contained far more than just Asset 07's current medication chart.
It held the core research data for the syndicate's latest evolution project.
The chemical ratios, the genetic restructuring logs, the neural control implant parameters, and the observation metrics for the entire Semi-Finished Asset line.
That data could absolutely never fall into the hands of an outsider.
If it leaked, it would expose the darkest secrets of their organization.
"That is out of the question," Silas refused flatly.
Serena didn't argue. She just clutched her medical kit and took a casual step toward the door. "Good luck with that, then."
Silas was speechless.
"Roar!"
Asset 07 let out a bone-chilling roar, smashing a massive fist into a nearby monitor.
Glass and metal exploded outward. A sharp piece of shrapnel grazed Silas's cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood.
Silas froze.
Asset 07's body was still expanding.
The parasitic veins beneath his skin writhed with horrifying speed.
Deep fissures were forming across his chest.
He looked like a bomb about to detonate from the inside out.
Thick, dark blood coated his entire body.
Pale as a ghost, Silas snapped, "You're standing on Project
Vansit right now..highwel
advise you not to push your luck!"
It was a blatant, desperate threat.
She was trapped on their ship.
If she pushed them too far, crushing her would be as easy as stepping on an ant!
Serena let out a careless laugh. "I just stated my price. It's entirely up to you whether you pay it."
"As for the consequences of my
greed... if you somehow manage to
survive that thing over there, you can show me what those consequences are.
SUMS
She shrugged, completely unfazed by his intimidation tactics.
Her calm demeanor made it clear she had zero fear of the rampaging biological weapon turning its sights on her.
Silas knew he was out of options. Every second they wasted brought them closer to death.
If Asset 07 died, Silas would be executed by his bosses anyway.
Clenching his jaw, he spat out, "Fine!"
"As long as he lives."
"Fifteen million dollars and the complete dossier. It's yours!"
A slow, triumphant smile spread across Serena's lips. "Deal."
She gripped her medical kit firmly and started walking directly toward Asset 07.
With a lazy, indifferent glance at Dr. York, who was still paralyzed by the console, she ordered, "Everyone, step back."
Her boots splashed through the pooling blood.
She walked right past the gruesome, pulverized remains of the doctor.
The air in the Sanctum was thick enough to make anyone gag.
The elite professionals who had been looking down their noses at her just minutes ago were now cowering in the corners, weeping and hyperventilating in absolute temer
Yet, Serena casually strolled right up to the apex predator.
Her authoritative tone made Dr. York's face twist with rage and humiliation. "Do you have any idea what's inside his..."