Ruby's smile widened as she thought, 'The fish has taken the bait. Troy is just as predictable as I expected.' However, as the grin lingered, a sudden itch below made her uncomfortable, dampening her excitement.

Her mood instantly darkened as she wondered if that disease was coming back again.

Meanwhile, Troy's car sped out of the Rhodes Corporation parking garage, rushing toward its destination. Andrew and Lauren, already in their SUV, quickly followed.

"Dr. Lloyd, just as you predicted—T