Alexander smiled casually. "Well, you said it's hard to trace the toxin's origins now that Rhea has died. Would it be easier if she weren't?"

"Rhea isn't dead?" Lily asked.

"I'm just saying, what if..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Her death seemed too sudden. It was almost as if she died on purpose."

Lily agreed. "That's right! I feel the same way. I've dealt with her several times, and she's cool-headed, almost cold-blooded. Furthermore, she was a top student overseas, received many awards, and must have conducted countless experiments. How could such a severe explosion happen so suddenly? Even if it was an accident, I doubt she would have had no time to escape, let alone be burned beyond recognition."

Lily recalled the police report; Rhea's body was unrecognizable. It seemed suspicious. If it wasn't to purposely hide something, how could it be so coincidental?

"However," Alexander conceded, "no evidence suggests the body isn't Rhea's. We must wait for the forensic report."

He sighed, looking at Lily with concern. "What's the matter?" she asked, raising her brows.

He enveloped her in a hug. "I just feel it's been too hard on you lately. You're pregnant, yet you're traveling constantly, exposing yourself to danger and disease." He wanted to shield her from the trouble, knowing she could handle it, but he couldn't stop worrying.

Lily looked up, noticing only a small black mole beneath his chin. She knew he'd been through a lot lately, losing weight after his recent illness, yet he worried about her instead. It's heart-warming to be showered with love and concern, especially when I feel tired, she thought.

Playfully stroking his stubble, she smiled. "Don't talk like this is our first meeting. Besides, you've been in more danger than I have—I almost lost you in Burnwken!"

Her teasing faltered. The smile froze, replaced by a sigh. The lightness evaporated.

Alexander held her hand. "Well, I returned safely, didn't I?"

"Yes, but..." But Edward is still missing. Olivia seldom calls, still holding a grudge. I've been too busy to see her. Lily hadn't even been to the studio; there were no pressing projects. Olivia's help with trivial matters allowed Lily to focus on the research center.

"But what?" Alexander prompted gently.

"But Edward has yet to be found," she whispered.

"No, we've found him," Alexander interrupted.

Lily's surprise was evident. "When? Where is he? Is he safe?"