Initially, Mike believed he could save Nick by following instructions, but his hope waned with each passing day. A heavy silence fell over the trio. The tense atmosphere was almost oppressive.

Lily sipped her tea, then broke the silence. "Why tell us all this today? Do you want us to search for Nick?"

The couple would seek a way to save Nick, regardless of Mike's prompting. The child's innocence demanded their intervention.

Is that why Mike sought us out? He's never asked for help before. Is he desperate?

"That's only part of it," Mike replied unexpectedly. "It's about something more important—this organization."

Lily, speechless, met Alexander's gaze before turning back to Mike. "I'm listening."

Despite Mike's sincerity, recent events prevented complete trust. Their doubts remained, regardless of his words. "A powerful foreign organization controls things; I haven't identified their origin, but they're formidable. We can't afford to antagonize them." Mike paused, looking at Alexander. The use of "us" indicated even he was powerless against this force.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. He sensed the organization's immense power, regardless of Mike's statement. Only such a force would repeatedly challenge them within the country's borders.

Professor Thompson, Mike, Rhea, and even their direct controllers were likely insignificant within the organization. Core members might not even be in the country.

"When they first contacted me, they wanted me to take over the research center. First, for investment. Second, to use my relationship with you to seize control and complete the research."

Mike sighed. "But things rarely go to plan, do they? We didn't anticipate Lily's swift discovery of the institute's secrets. You halted the research and left the team. We couldn't foresee your actions."

Lily's response to the backhanded compliment was sharp. "What does your organization plan to do to me?"

"Honestly, they planned to kill you," Mike admitted.

Alexander, previously calm, showed emotion. He started to rise, but Lily's hand on his thigh stopped him.

She chuckled. "Gale and I were in a car accident, and assassins pursued us. Was that the organization?"

Mike shook his head. "No, that was Rhea."

Lily's astonishment was palpable. I thought it was the organization, but it was Rhea?