A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1381

Bernard couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle; he felt like he was a pawn in some sick cosmic game. His laugh, paired with the bloodshot look in his eyes, didn't seem to faze Yates.

"I will give you ten minutes to think it over," Yates said, then turned on his heel and left the sterile, white lab, his entourage of suited goons trailing behind him.

Only Peterson lingered, waiting until Yates and the others had left before leaning in to whisper to Bernard, "Just play along for now, and once you're out, you can explain everything to her."

"Boy, do you think I'm deaf?" Yates' menacing voice came from outside the door, making Peterson clamp his mouth shut and quickly step out of the lab.

Yates removed his mask, revealing eyes that simmered with malice, as he glared at Peterson.

"You’ve just earned yourself another twenty lashes," he ordered coldly.

Peterson, slightly afraid of his grandfather, nodded his head in resignation and murmured, "Yes, sir."

Yates looked away, directing the others.

"No.3, head to the control room and initiate the program; I'll need it later."

"The rest of you, secure the chip in the mobile unit, and then destroy the chip lab."

Once he'd finished issuing orders, Yates pulled out his phone and sent a message to all the operatives: no one was to speak of the chip or Bernard's ordeal at Area Opaca ever again.

He singled out Sheldon Pine, who, miles away in his office, furrowed his brow at the cryptic message. Ever since Bernard's capture, Yates had been dishing out these bizarre orders.

After the directive, Yates returned to the lab, resuming his imposing stance over Bernard, who sat with his eyes tightly shut.

"So, what's your decision?"

Bernard's eyelashes quivered slightly, but he offered no other response. Yates wasn't in a hurry; he settled back into a couch, patiently waiting for an answer.

Bernard knew that the only way to free himself from the chip's control was to accept the deal, contradictory as it seemed to the promise of unlimited freedom 1-1 had initially offered. The offer might seem to favor Bernard, but the true beneficiary was 1-1 —clever enough to secure his own interests while grasping Bernard's weak spot.

Bernard had navigated the cutthroat business world for years, and now he faced a formidable opponent. A sardonic smile played on his lips, like a soulless vessel, hollowly amused.

"Eleanor's unlucky to have a grandfather like you."

"She may be unlucky, but without the Siren Organization, she wouldn't have faced these tragedies."