Chapter 111: Unlucky
Rylie chuckled, though the sound lacked warmth. "Neither, Master Aelion. What I am is informed. As much as you may detest my methods, you detest missing opportunities even more. You want perfection."
Lyle leaned back in his chair, his face cast in shifting light and shadow from the fire pit’s dancing flames. It was a mask of stoicism, his dark eyes betraying none of the thoughts churning behind them. "What concerns me," he said finally, his voice measured, "is whether your so-called information is worth the risk. You talk about unrecorded experiments and elusive breakthroughs, but for all I know, you could be feeding me lies."
Rylie’s confidence didn’t waver. He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees, his storm-gray eyes meeting Lyle’s with an intensity that spoke of conviction. "It’s worth the risk, I assure you. Not only do I have the comprehensive details of the unrecorded experiment—successes, failures, and everything in between—but I can also provide you with the identities of everyone involved in its development. Names that have been scrubbed from existence, people who’ve gone underground. These are the keys to unlocking something far greater than you’ve ever imagined."
Lyle leaned forward, his tone icy. "What I want to know is whether you’ve done your homework. The people behind those experiments are dangerous. Many of them would kill to keep their secrets buried. And yet, here you are, parading them as leverage."
Rylie’s smirk widened, his confidence unwavering. "Let’s just say I’m not easily intimidated, and I have the resources to keep myself...protected. As do you."
Lyle’s fingers began tapping idly against the armrest, a rhythmic motion that betrayed his deep contemplation. The silence stretched, punctuated only by the distant hum of the city below and the faint crackle of flames.
"You’re playing a dangerous game, Carver," Lyle said at last, his tone like ice. "And you’ve underestimated me if you think I’ll walk into it blindly."
Rylie’s demeanor shifted slightly, his smirk mocking. "I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Which is why I’m willing to sweeten the deal. I’ll give you access to our initial research—data, prototypes, and reports. Enough to prove I’m serious."
"And in return?" Lyle’s voice was low.
"In return," Rylie said smoothly, "you bring your AI specialists to collaborate with my team. We develop this project together, with joint control over its outcome. No secrets, no backstabbing. Just progress."
Lyle’s lips twitched, though whether in amusement or disdain was unclear. "Your idea of no backstabbing is interesting, given your reputation."