Chapter one hundred and sixty

Rhys sighed, trying to maintain his cover. “Father, I’m telling you, I don’t know anything. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that the Scientist is from our family.”

Lydia frowned. “A coincidence? Rhys, don’t be ridiculous. We know you’re involved somehow.”

Rhys stood up, trying to end the conversation. “I’m not involved, Mother. I swear. Can we please just drop it?”

Alessandro and Lydia exchanged another glance, this time with a hint of frustration. They knew that Rhys was hiding something, but they couldn’t get it out of him.

“Fine, dear,” Alessandro said. “We’ll drop it for now. But we’re still proud of you, no matter what.”

Rhys smiled, relieved. “Thanks, Father. That means a lot to me.”

But Lydia wasn’t ready to give up yet. “Rhys, just one more thing. What do you think the Scientist’s motives are?”

Rhys hesitated, trying to come up with a convincing answer. “I…I don’t know, Mother. Maybe he just wanted to help people.”

Alessandro nodded. “That’s a good point, Rhys. Maybe he’s just a