Chapter 54 Blood Doesn't Lie

• The penthouse lab blazed under surgical lights, a testament to Leo's obsession with control. Maria's heels echoed off against polished concrete as she navigated past sleek workstations and humming machinery that cost more than records could keep. The place screamed money – the kind of setup that made university research facilities look like kindergarten science fairs.
• "Evening, Maria." Dr. Chen barely glanced up from his microscope, his latex-gloved hands steady as surgeon's. "Bit late for lab work."
• "Never too late for science." Maria's laugh came easy, practiced. Three years undercover had taught her to wear lies like designer suits. "Got that presentation tomorrow. You know how it goes."