Alexander's hand, gripping Lily's arm, tightened. He couldn't bear the thought of her endangering herself. He would gladly take the risk for her, but the organization needed her.

"They want me because they believe I can perfectly blend medicinal herbs and fragrances to achieve their goal," Lily explained, "It's not difficult; I've succeeded many times. Besides, I know how to protect myself. As long as they need me, they won't harm me. You can rest assured I'll be fine—at least while they need me." She understood his concern; he loved her deeply and worried for her safety, just as she'd worried about him in Burnwken.

"But what happens when you've succeeded, and they no longer need you?" Alexander countered, his hand gently resting on her belly. "And you're pregnant now. It'll be difficult for you to move around, you'll have to be more cautious. How can I let you do something so dangerous?"

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't," Lily admitted frankly. "I don't feel obligated to save the world single-handedly." She stuck out her tongue. "But I'm already involved, and it's hard to extricate myself."

Before Alexander could respond, she continued, "Let's not be overly pessimistic. Maybe they aren't as terrible as we think."

"That's because you don't know what they're capable of!" Mike interjected. Years in business had exposed him to the dark side's influence. He'd overcome numerous obstacles, yet this organization terrified him. He didn't know what they were capable of, or where Nick was.

"Maybe," Lily conceded. "They desperately need me, an insignificant nobody. Perhaps they won't be so difficult to handle. Since they plan to use the vaccines, why don't we cooperate and turn the tables later? This could be an opportunity for us." She tilted her head, a plan forming in her mind. Looking at Mike, then back to Alexander, she added, "At the very least, I can produce what they want, according to their needs."

Alexander seemed swayed. Hesitation lingered in his eyes, but his resolve to stop her had weakened.

Lily tugged at his sleeve, gently swinging it. "I know you're worried," she whispered, "but have you considered what they'd do if I refused? To an organization like that, someone without value is simply…destroyed."

That stunned Alexander. "I won't let that happen!" His grip on her tightened, his heart pounding.

Lily smiled, turning his words against him. "How can you promise that? Will you sacrifice your life and fortune? I could do the same. Nothing is absolute; there's risk either way. Why not choose the option where I have more control over the outcome?"