If she were indeed dead, that would be for the best. Otherwise… Even under Vincent’s protection, he would ensure this woman faced the full extent of his wrath.

Dizzy from the beating, the subordinate struggled but managed to kneel once more. “Vincent is already on it. It’s too risky for us to intervene now.”

It wasn’t that he was unwilling to search; it was simply too dangerous. Sending men would likely lead to their capture by Vincent’s forces. If they stumbled upon anything else in the process, the consequences would be even worse.

“Useless trash!” T spat, delivering a brutal kick to the subordinate’s chest.

“Someone!” T shouted.

The door swung open, and the guard outside stepped in, nodding in acknowledgment. “Boss!”

“Watch Vincent closely. The moment he finds Katelyn’s body, inform me immediately!”

Vincent’s worry for Katelyn ran deep, so it was no surprise that he would eventually track down her body—unless, of course, she hadn’t actually died. The only way to get to the bottom of it was to keep a sharp eye on Vincent.

“Yes, boss!” The guard snapped to attention, gave a quick nod, and hurried off without a second’s delay.

T shifted his cold stare to another figure—the beaten, broken subordinate sprawled across the floor. With a voice as cold as ice, he issued a simple order to the men waiting outside. “Take care of him.” Those few words were enough to terrify the subordinate; all that mattered now was staying alive.

“Boss, please! One more chance—I swear I’ll make it right. Let me find Katelyn. If Vincent catches me, I’ll end it myself, right then and there!” Terror flooded his eyes. He knew exactly what T’s words meant—he was facing his end. The punishment wasn’t just cruel; it was final. Broken bones would be the least of it. They’d strip him bare—organs, blood, anything they could sell.

The thought clawed at him, a fear that sank into his marrow. He’d seen others dragged off to that fate before without blinking. But now, with the tables turned, the horror hit him full force.

? ?ν[?]

T didn’t even spare the subordinate a glance. He turned and walked off, unbothered.

So what if this guy had once been his right-hand man? Loyalty was a myth here. Cash ruled, and fresh, eager recruits were never in short supply. Why waste effort on a failure?

Inside the lab, doctors and bodyguards stood rigid, barely breathing. One slip, and they’d be next. Punishment here wasn’t just agony—it was a death sentence. They’d all dished it out before. None of them wanted to experience it now.

Still, they all knew one thing for sure—Katelyn’s situation could rattle the whole outfit. If Katelyn was really gone… No one could guess how Vincent would take it. Everyone knew she was his world.

Vincent had torn through the night, searching. He’d pushed himself past his limits, refusing to rest—until his body gave out. His men had to haul him off.

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