Alexander glanced at her. "The vaccine research and development base."

"The vaccine..." Lily faltered, momentarily speechless. She least expected Edward to be there. However, it made sense that foreign cars weren't permitted; it was heavily guarded, with no free access. This implied Edward knew someone inside who facilitated his entry.

The vaccine research and development base Alexander mentioned was the one Fabian had seized from La Beaute Group—the project Cameron's botched rebid had infamously tarnished him.

Could Edward, Cameron, Fabian, and Rhea be working together?

Even those shadowy organizations connected to the previous research institute seemed implicated.

"I suspect someone has poisoned or controlled Edward," Lily concluded, the pieces falling into place. The fog in her mind cleared, revealing a path toward the truth.

"Maybe, but maybe not," Alexander replied ambiguously, piquing Lily's curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Looking intently at her, he smiled, pulled her into his embrace, and wrapped the blanket around her. "It's cold. I don't want you to catch a cold."

Warmth enveloped Lily as she nestled into his arms. Yet, she remembered her question. "You haven't answered me! What do you mean? Stop beating around the bush!"

Alexander pinched her cheeks. "It's a guess, but perhaps Edward isn't being controlled. Maybe he's acting willingly. But it's just a guess; I can't be sure."

"Huh?!" Lily's interest intensified. She studied him carefully. "You mean, he's an undercover agent?"

Alexander chuckled at her serious expression, nudging her upturned nose. "You watch too much TV! What undercover agent? I'm guessing he's looking for something, but I'm not sure. He should have told me if he was investigating the research base."

Lily considered this, then nodded. "So, an undercover agent!"

His smile deepened. Seeing her serious yet cute expression, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Whatever you think."

Lily wrapped her arms around his neck, settling comfortably before squinting and scolding, "Don't change the subject! Are you saying Edward hasn't left since he went in?"

"The person following him has been guarding the door. Edward's car hasn't moved," he replied.

"Even if his car hasn't left, it doesn't mean he hasn't. If he wanted to remain hidden, he might not use his personal car," she pointed out after a moment's thought.

Alexander was stunned. She was right. The base was vast; no one could monitor every vehicle entering and exiting its numerous entrances. Edward could have left in another car.