If those were destroyed, there would be no physical proof that the formula had been tampered with by Julian.

Andrew’s reputation would be ruined, and the public would be at risk.

I lunged forward, grabbing the handle of the refrigeration unit.

“Don’t!” Victoria screamed.

She dropped the lighter onto the wet counter.

A blue sheet of flame erupted instantly, rushing across the chemical-soaked surface.

The heat hit my face like a physical blow, forcing me to shield my eyes.

I stumbled backward, coughing as the black smoke began to curl toward the ceiling.

Victoria backed away toward the rear emergency exit, her eyes wild with terror at the speed of the flames.

She didn’t look back as she pushed open the heavy exit door and vanished into the stairwell.

The door clicked shut behind her, the electronic lock engaging with a dull thud.

I was alone in the laboratory.

The flames licked up the side of the server rack, the plastic casing of the wires crackling and popping.

Thick, dark smoke began to fill the upper half of the room, blocking out the emergency lights.