One of the trusted female researchers couldn’t help but retort, “Our experiments are absolutely legitimate. All the samples were legally procured.”


    Ethan shot Aria a re. “Either help record the data, or shut up and stop the chatter.”


    His Huthailian was halting, tinged with a faint southern ent-the kind of ent one picked up from prolonged contact with a particr group.


    Aria arched an eyebrow. “Dr. Murphy, is your wife Huthailian?”


    Ethan’s expression darkened. “Flynt even told you that?”


    Aria thought, ‘I knew it. She didn’t answer. Instead, she walked over to the female researcher and changed the subject. “What should I record?”


    Laura was taken aback, clearly not expecting Aria’s sudden offer to help. After several seconds of hesitation, she pointed to Team One’s specimens. “Record the changes in this mouse.”


    “Got it.” Aria grabbed a notebook and pen, beginning her observations.


    During this time, Aria would casually drift between research stations, observing the other researchers. Whenever research reports were delivered, she’d subtly edge closer to scan their contents.


    Aria suddenly asked, “Are all these samples from Huthailians? Do you have some vendetta against Huthailia?”


    Laura replied, “You’re overthinking it. We only use Huthailian samples once we’ve made significant progress in our research.


    “We’re not out to harm anyone. Gene editing can advance human development. We’re the ones pioneering these experiments for you first-so you should be happy.”


    Aria said, “Oh, so we’re supposed to be grateful to you? If this experiment is so groundbreaking, why don’t you just keep it for yourselves?”


    “It’s because—” Laura started, but Ethan’s sharp re instantly silenced her.


    Realizing she couldn’t extract any more information, Aria walked over to Ethan with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “If there’s a chance, I’d like to meet your wife, Dr. Murphy.”


    Ethan eyed her warily. “Why do you want to see her?”


    Without pausing her writing, Aria said, “We’re both Huthailians-it’d be nice to see a familiar face. Can’t I meet her?”


    Ethan paused as if he was genuinely considering the proposal.


    Then he shot Aria a nce and said, “Just focus on your notes. No more talking.”


    Aria pieced together the facts: Ethan’s wife was Huthailian, kept from public view, and clearly mattered greatly to him.


    She thought, ‘His wife was probably kidnapped, too. She must know more than I do.’


    Russell’s hands trembled uncontrobly as he took the diary. He struggled to steady himself, got into the car, and ordered the driver, “Let’s go.”


    The car was eerily quiet as Russell steeled himself before slowly turning to the first page. The childish handwriting had


    faded with time, now barely legible.


    Russell strained to make out the words: [Today I met the young miss. She’s so beautiful. I want to serve her well and not cause Russell any trouble.]


    [Miss killed a cat today. The look in her eyes was terrifying.]


    [I made a mistake and Miss beat me. It really hurts. I mustn’t tell Russell, or he’d be worried.]


    [Got beaten by Miss again today.]


    [I saw Russell today. I wanted to tell him I didn’t want to stay with Miss anymore, but he was covered in wounds, too. If I leave, Miss will definitely make trouble for him.]


    [After Miss saw Russell, the way she looked at me was terrifying-just like how she looked at that dead kitten. I really want to leave now.]


    Russell clenched his fists tightly and continued reading.


    [I haven’t written in my diary for three months. Today, I finally managed to sneak it out. I was trafficked to this horrible ce. There’s a guy named Marcus who keeps bullying me.]


    [Marcus bullied me again. Even away from Miss, I’m still getting picked on. I miss Russell so much.]


    [A new girl arrived today. Her name is Madelyn. I like her name. We’re even in the same dorm. I’m so happy!]


    [Madelyn’s so cold-she won’t even talk to me. But she’s amazing! She made Marcus and other people back down. As long as


    I stick with her, I know I can hold on… until I see Russell again.]


    [Madelyn told me I need to toughen up, or I’ll always be a punching bag. But I’m just so… so weak.]


    [Today, Madelyn protected me. From now on, we’re friends. I’m sure I can make it through.