As they caught their breath, Dr. Maria turned to Master Clockmaker and Alex with a look of gratitude. "Thank you," she said, her eyes shining with tears. "We owe you one."
Master Clockmaker nodded, his expression serious. "You don't owe us anything," he said. "But we do need your help. Can you tell me more about The Syndicate's plan?"
Dr. Maria nodded, and began to explain in detail the sinister plot to create a mind-controlling virus.
As they listened, Sophia stood quietly to one side, her eyes fixed on Master Clockmaker. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was watching him, waiting for something to happen.
But it wasn't until Dr. Maria mentioned the name of The Syndicate's leader that Master Clockmaker's eyes widened in shock.
"You're kidding me," he muttered.
Dr. Maria shook her head. "I'm afraid not," she said. "His name is Reginald, and he's a ruthless individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
Master Clockmaker felt a chill run down his spine as he remembered the man from their previous encounters. He was indeed ruthless, and would do whatever it took to get what he wanted.
Alex noticed Master Clockmaker's expression and frowned. "What's wrong?" he asked.
But before Master Clockmaker could answer, Sophia stepped forward, her eyes flashing with a sly grin.
"I think I can help with that," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "You see, Reginald is not the only one with secrets. And some of those secrets might just be the key to taking him down."
Master Clockmaker's eyes narrowed as he stared at Sophia. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"You're working for Reginald," he accused, his voice cold and hard.
Sophia shrugged, her expression unrepentant. "Call it that if you want," she said. "But I'm just trying to get what's mine."
As the truth dawned on him, Master Clockmaker felt a wave of betrayal wash over him. He had trusted Sophia with his life, and now he realized that he couldn't trust her at all.
"Get out of here," he growled, his fists clenched in anger.
Sophia raised an eyebrow, but didn't flinch. "As you wish," she said, turning to leave.
But as she walked away, Master Clockmaker noticed something strange. She was heading straight for the exit, and she wasn't alone.
Dr. Maria followed her out of the room, looking worried. But what really caught Master Clockmaker's attention was the small device Sophia had hidden in her hand.
It looked like a tiny earpiece, and it was transmitting directly to Reginald himself.
Master Clockmaker felt his heart sink as he realized the truth. Sophia wasn't working for him at all. She was working against him.
And now that he knew the truth, Master Clockmaker knew that he had to act fast. He couldn't let Sophia betray him like this. Not when it came to something as important as taking down The Syndicate.
But how could he stop her? And what would be the cost of his actions?