"I see." Wesker said coldly and that was the only thing he said.
Taking a few steps to the side, Wesker stopped again, without interrupting visual contact with the scientist. Jill watched the scene closely, slightly askance, trying to figure out what was going on.
"I was hoping that I would be able to contact you..." the scientist said, brandishing the shotgun and a disgusted expression flashed on Wesker's face for a second. Perhaps others wouldn't even notice it, but Jill knew this man too well.
"Put the shotgun away, Doctor, you won't need it anyway."
The Doctor turned around, interrupted in the middle of a sentence, a little confused. He looked at the weapon in his hands and nodded. The shotgun was left on the floor, although Wesker himself continued to hold the gun in his hand.
"Of course, of course. I'm not sure if you remember me. We met several times, many years ago. You and Dr. Birkin presented one of your projects back then. It was amazing. It's a pity that these pathetic people haven't been able to fully appreciate what you have created. But this is already in the past. I have a wonderful offer for you, Doctor. I created a virus based on the combination of a t-virus and a unique parasite found in the Alps a few years ago. The project, of course, was classified, and it is almost impossible to find information about it. If we combine our knowledge and use your ingenious developments, we can make the new virus more stable..."
"Hmm..."
The scientist froze, staring intently into Wesker's face. However, never got any additional words from him, Peterson continued his fiery speech.
"I was betrayed by Spencer just like you was, Doctor. Betrayal is on our heels. You can't trust anyone. Everyone only seeks to deceive, to act behind your back, to escape at a convenient moment."
"The harsh truth of life."
Listening to Peterson's words, Jill watched Wesker closely. He remained impartial. Crossing his arms over his chest, he was slowly walking around the small room in which they were, examining it. But although he wanted to appear disinterested, Jill could tell for sure that he was listening attentively to everything that was being said to him. It made her feel intensely uncomfortable.
Peterson kept talking, clearly trying to impress Wesker.
"But this carelessness and infidelity led them to collapse. I have studied all your scientific works, there were legends about your research. Under your leadership, the new corporation will be able to raise its head. And we'll stick to other rules..."
Wesker interrupted the speech, coming closer to him.
"What is my interest in keeping you alive, Doctor? Who said that I'm interested in cooperating with you at all?"
"But you're here, so I have hope, don't I Doctor? You will understand my value when you study the material I have prepared. We will create something truly global, powerful..."
"I remember you, actually. You showed great promise, Doctor."
"It's an honor for me. I didn't think you'd remember..."
"William noted your progress. You made an impression on him, and it wasn't so easy. He even admitted the possibility of making you one of his assistants."
Jill almost opened her mouth in surprise. She didn't know that. He never told her that he had acquainted with this man, that he and Birkin had once planned to work with him. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. He didn't tell her the whole truth, what else was he hiding from her?
Peterson was literally beaming, his delight were unbounded.
"I'll never forgive Spencer for what happened to Dr. Birkin. His criminal behavior led to the death of the greatest minds. What a loss for the scientific world, for the whole world! We have to stick together, unite, so as not to be afraid that we will be stabbed in the back."
"Mmm, there is some common sense in this. Betrayal is everywhere. But only the weak allow themselves to be truly betrayed. It's hard to be betrayed if you hold the reins in your hands and don't allow such situations."
Wesker again stepped away from Peterson, this time walking closer to the doctor's office. The man was watching him. Nodding silently, he continued the conversation, changing the subject.
"I can't help but ask you about the woman who is in the same room with us. Your work really impresses me. I don't know how you did it, but... my admiration, Doctor. It seems that you literally managed to bring her back to life, keeping her safe and sound."
"Yes, I appreciate your admiration."
Wesker spoke dryly and completely emotionless. He didn't pay any attention to Jill, as if she wasn't in this room at all. It was as if he had come here not for her, but in pursuit of some of his own goals.
"But... let me ask, how did she end up here?"
"Hmm. Interesting question, isn't it? If you know who she is, then you also know what she is capable of."
"Oh, yes, I know that. Apparently, Jill Valentine has always been cunning and resourceful."
Wesker smirked.
"She managed to escape from me. With Chris Redfield."
"Really? But how..."
"Redfield interfered with my plans." An expression of absolute disgust appeared on Wesker's face. He managed to find me. I planned to keep her on a short leash, but his actions reduced the level of my influence on her, broke the bond. However, it suited me perfectly. They thought they had escaped. But I just used them so I wouldn't waste my precious time looking for you, Doctor."
A cruel smirk played on Wesker's face. Jill stared at him with colossal tension, trying to read him. She couldn't do it. A stone impenetrable mask instead of a face, full control over himself. He didn't want that, didn't want her to read him. The already severe dizziness increased at times and it seemed to her that she was about to lose consciousness. Wesker still didn't look at her, and she was just glad of it. She wasn't sure she'd be able to handle this.
"Speaking of Redfield, is he here? I would like having my time with him. You're right, Doctor, there's nothing but betrayal and lies all around. People think they can interfere in someone's life, take what doesn't belong to them, get away with it. Holy naivety."
"Yes, yes, of course. A pleasant surprise awaits you on the lower floor. Chris Redfield, shackled like her."
"Fine. Will he live long enough to meet me?"
"I think so. Although, I take it he won't survive this meeting with you?" Peterson chuckled cheerfully. "I can order him to be brought here. So she can see you kill him."
"There's no need for that. Why this theatrics, Doctor. This is completely unnecessary. Besides, I'm not in the mood to listen to their heartbreaking conversations, all these tears, you know..."
"I understand you. If you want, Doctor, I can even kill her for you. Right here and now. To punish her for running away."
Peterson reached for his shotgun again, but didn't pick it up, waiting for an answer.
Wesker humphed and finally turned his attention to Jill. He took a few steps in her direction and looked down at her, slightly tilting his head, studying her. Jill herself finally decided to look directly at him.
"More than five years of work. What a waste of my time that would be."
She felt everything turn cold inside her. There were no tears or trembling lips, only complete detachment. Jill didn't believe a word he said. Couldn't and didn't want to. It just couldn't be true, not after everything they'd been through, what she'd found out. But even if Wesker's words were just lies, there was something she couldn't deny. He spoke so indifferently, with such disdain written on his face. Jill couldn't even tell he was mad at her. She was a passed stage for him. A waste of time, just like he said. She couldn't stand the look on Wesker's face and lowered her eyes.
"Yes, of course you're right, Doctor. You will decide for yourself what you'll do with Miss Valentine. With both of them."
Wesker kept looking at her. His leather-gloved left hand went up to her chin, and he lifted her head rather roughly, forcing her to look at him. It was pretty dark and she couldn't see even the outline of his eyes behind the lenses of his sunglasses. A mask instead of the face didn't allow to understand what was hidden behind this gesture. Jill pursed her lips slightly, swallowing, her own gaze was intent, tired and completely indifferent.
"So what have you got?" He asked without turning his head away from her.
"Come with me, Doctor. I'll show and tell you everything."
The scientist sounded rapturously, he was approaching the implementation of his plans, although it was stupid of him. No one should have trusted Dr. Albert Wesker. It was these bitter thoughts that swarmed in her head. Well, she had betrayed him, could she have counted on anything else?
Wesker let go of her head, but Jill continued to stare at him.
"What are you planning to do with her? Do you have any ideas? I never tire of repeating that already now this project looks simply amazing!"
"Do you think so? I can give her to you, Doctor, if you want."
"But... it's five years of your work."
"Which has been already completed"
Wesker finally broke off visual contact with her, turned on his heels and followed the scientist.
Jill closed her eyes. It was a slap in the face from him. To some extent, she deserved it, but it didn't make the hurt any less. She didn't know what Wesker was really planning, but she knew for sure that he despised her.
They had been gone for a good fifteen minutes and Jill began to worry. The thought that they could gone to Chris was starting to become obsessive. This could be similar to the truth. If he was disgusted with her, then how he should have hated Chris right now. Moreover, he knew for sure that this was her Achilles heel, if something happened to Chris... Jill could only hope that he was still all right.
A few moments passed and Jill heard a muffled gunshot.