The last time they met was over a meal. Though neither mentioned it, they both knew what had transpired. She had assumed their friendship was over, and that he would cease searching for her. Unexpectedly, he was here again.

"I was just testing the waters," Mike chuckled, then sighed. "Though I know I can never truly reach you. I'm sorry."

"Mr. Corden."

Alexander, having concluded hospital procedures, emerged to find Mike with Lily. He quickened his pace. His tone was polite, but his expression was initially cold and unwelcoming.

"What are you doing here?" he asked icily, his previous warmth vanished.

This was entirely within Mike's expectations. A bitter expression crossed his face as he frowned. "I know I was wrong, and I'm sorry. I don't expect forgiveness, but... I have something important to tell you."

"Is this truly important, or another setup? Mike, you and Alex are old friends, long-time colleagues. Do you think he's so easily deceived? Or that I'll trust you again?" Lily retorted sharply.

"I don't expect forgiveness or trust, but I feel I must tell you. This organization is far more terrifying than you imagine. I'm not trying to scare you!" Mike insisted, his expression grave and sincere.

However, Alexander cut him off. He placed a hand on Mike to stop him, the other securing Lily's waist as he guided her away. "We're not interested! Please don't obstruct us!"

Ignored, Mike was taken aback. He turned, raising his voice. "Alexander! If someone kidnapped Galen, what would you do?!"

Perhaps he struck a nerve, or perhaps Alexander's recent experience with Lily heightened his sensitivity. Alexander stopped abruptly, his ears twitching. "Don't..." Lily instinctively reached for him, but she was a second too late. Alexander spun around, seizing Mike's collar and staring intently. "What did you say?!" Despite being held, Mike showed no fear, meeting Alexander's gaze. "I said, what would you do if someone kidnapped Galen?"

"Say it again!" Alexander's voice was tight with barely controlled fury.

Passersby, noticing the tension, watched curiously. Alexander remained oblivious. His eyes burned as they fixed on Mike. "If you dare, say it again!"

Mike didn't repeat himself. Instead, his face flushed as he said, "You're nervous, scared, aren't you?"

"If you dare touch Galen, I will show you and your damned organization what death feels like!" Alexander snarled, his eyes blazing. His wife and children were his world. He feared nothing, not even death, but the thought of harm befalling Lily or the children was unbearable.

Facing Alexander's rage, Mike laughed. "You can't even bear to hear it. How do you think I've felt?"

Alexander was taken aback; Mike seemed to have lost his composure. His grip loosened slightly. "What do you mean?"