Chapter 69

"Our goal was straightforward," Benjamin Hart confessed, adjusting his thick glasses nervously. "We aimed to research this chemical and create the most powerful bioweapon in existence. Global recognition was all we sought."

His fingers trembled as he continued. "But we never anticipated its value would skyrocket to five billion dollars per vial. Every nation covets it. What began as a scientific breakthrough became our death sentence."

"Frederick lost his life because of this," Benjamin whispered, his voice cracking. "Yesterday, I barely escaped bandits myself. I can't keep it anymore—take it, please."

Liam Blackwood studied the frail researcher, struggling to reconcile the image of the infamous "Winkler" with this trembling young woman before him.

Ryan Sullivan's pen scratched across his notepad as he fired questions. "Where is Cassandra Wright from?"

"Solterra," Benjamin answered.

"Her age?"

"I'm uncertain. But Frederick mentioned she synthesized the first hydronium batch at nineteen. The compound bears her name."

"Family?"

Benjamin shook his head. "With that level of secrecy? Even her relatives likely don't know her occupation."

Ryan pressed further. "Besides Frederick, who's seen her? Any photographs?"

A bitter laugh escaped Benjamin. "Photos? Impossible. Frederick was merely an assistant, yet all his records were erased. Imagine what they did to Cassandra's files."

"Her current location?" Ryan demanded.

Benjamin's gaze darted nervously. Liam noticed the shift immediately, leaning forward. "You know where she is."

The researcher exhaled shakily. "Geniuses like her are rare treasures. Solterra guards her identity fiercely."

"Frederick's jealousy proved fatal," Benjamin continued. "He leaked her existence and hydronium's formula. Suddenly every nation wanted both the chemical and its creator."

"Three years ago, Solterra relocated Cassandra." Benjamin's voice dropped. "During transit, attackers struck. She vanished. Forty-eight hydronium vials disappeared with her."

The news struck Liam like a physical blow. His chest constricted. The person he'd hunted for years—gone. Another brilliant mind extinguished too soon.

Ryan recovered first. "How do you know she's dead?"

"Someone of Cassandra's caliber?" Benjamin removed his glasses, polishing them absently. "Solterra implanted a microchip to monitor her vitals and location."

"When the attack occurred," he explained, "trackers traced her to the Maldiac Ocean's depths. The chip registered no life signs. They must have killed her and weighted the body."

Liam examined the vial in his hands, watching the colorless liquid swirl. His jaw tightened. "Your research findings?"

The question hung heavy in the air as Benjamin hesitated, his fate balancing on his next words.