Queen of Steel: Throne of Lies

Chapter 10

Professor's Hahn, presence in the conference room caught me by surprise. Outfitted in one of his trademark thrift store blazers. with a shirt and sweater underneath.

He rose smoothly from his chair as I approached. "Why, Miss Steelman, what an...unexpected pleasure," he remarked in his trademark resonant baritone, his dark eyes raking over me in an assessing perusal that bordered on impropriety from anyone else. We shook hands in salutation.

"I was told I'd be meeting the mastermind behind this hospital expansion," his deep voice laced with inference. "But I must admit, I never imagined it would be one of my own students."

Raising my chin subtly, I met his inquisitive stare head-on. "Let's just say that I prefer to operate outside of the spotlight, Professor."

"Fair enough," he replies, his gaze continues scanning me up and down slowly and purposely. "You strike me as someone exceptionally guarded, but still it is a shame to hide such an extraordinary talent," he adds, a hint of intrigue in his dark eyes.

His attempt at psychoanalysis irks me."And you strike me as someone who enjoys prying into things best left alone, besides I rather let my work speak for itself, Professor." My tone dry and factual.

He pauses, then observes, "You seem tense. Everything alright?"

I stiffen, not wanting to continue our exchange. "I'm fine. Just busy, I'm sure you understand."

"Of course," he says, an amused glint in his eye. "Well, if you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

"I've got it covered," I reply firmly.

"I'm sure you do." An insufferable smug smirk played across his face. "You're quite remarkable, Miss Steelman—"

A soft tap on the door interrupted the professor's charade. It was time for me to truly shine. I turned and greeted the group of potential donors with my most captivating smile and poised demeanor.

The meeting unfolded perfectly, leaving me with an undeniable sense of pride and accomplishment by the time it concluded.

After seeing the donors out, Hahn and I headed to inspect his new domain. But I couldn't help the growing sense of unease. The rooms were sterile and cold, lacking any warmth or comfort for the patients.

Yet Professor Hahn appeared quite content, even invigorated by the stark environment - suited more for experimentation than rehabilitation. Something about his gleaming-eyed enthusiasm struck me as more ominous than admirable.

I shuddered as we passed an exam room filled with strange equipment. This place felt more like a rat laboratory than a hospital.

"Very efficient design," he remarked approvingly. "Everything state-of-the-art for optimal treatment and observation."

We entered a patient room, and I gasped - the walls lined with restrictive restraints and monitoring devices. It looked more like a prison cell than a place of healing.

Professor Hahn didn't seem bothered. "Impressive. This will allow close observation for the more unstable cases."

"I'm glad you approve." I made sure my words didn't betray my true thoughts. I couldn't allow him to detect my growing suspicions and discomfort, not yet.

A sudden, jarring crash echoed from somewhere down the hallway. Hahn's head whipped around, expression hardening as he swiftly moved to investigate the source of the disturbance. I followed close behind, my pulse quickening.

Rounding the corner, we came upon a highly distressing scene - a young woman, clearly in the throes of some psychotic break, was violently smashing a chair against the wall. She seemed completely unaware of her surroundings, lost in an inconceivable frenzy as she raged.