Mike touched his neck, adjusting his collar as his flushed face calmed slightly. Alexander's stare, however, remained unfriendly. "What do you mean?"

Lily stepped forward. "He's saying someone kidnapped Nick," she explained softly.

Alexander turned to her, disbelief etched on his face. He was shocked; Mike had never mentioned this before. Later, preoccupied with other matters, he hadn't even considered asking about Mike's family. Lily's words left him stunned.

Mike's expression was now calm. A bitter smile played on his lips. "Can we talk elsewhere?" he asked, glancing around. "It's not convenient here." They were, after all, in a public place.

Before Alexander could respond, Lily squeezed his arm. Looking at Mike, she said, "We can, but we decide where." Her caution was evident; past experiences had made her wary. Mike understood; since the incident, she no longer considered him a friend. He accepted this; he had brought it upon himself.

"Okay," he nodded.

Lily chose an elegant tea house near the hospital—secluded, quiet, with private rooms for members, and importantly, a La Beaute Group property. Her choice ensured Mike couldn't easily manipulate the situation. Mike, aware of his failings, raised no objections.

They settled into a private room. After the waiter served tea and snacks, Lily addressed Mike directly. "Okay, say whatever you need to say."

Just as he began to speak, she added, "But be quick. We may not have the patience to listen again. We're only doing this for your son's sake." Her eyes softened as she mentioned his son.

Children, she felt, were innocent bystanders in adult conflicts. Galen and Nick were close friends, and the thought of something happening to Nick worried her deeply. Still, she remained skeptical of Mike's claims.

He lowered his head, a bitter smile lingering. "I know I wronged you," he sighed, "but I had no choice. Nicky is in their hands. If I disobey, I don't know what will happen to him." His head bowed, his despair evident.

Alexander, however, seemed to believe him. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "You can't find him?"

Mike shook his head. "I've searched everywhere, used every resource. He's vanished."

"A large reward isn't enough?" Alexander pressed.