"Did your boss tell you to ask me that?" Lily asked, her brow raised.

Mike remained silent for a moment before replying, "You're still wary of me, aren't you?"

"Yes," Lily answered without apology. The things Mike had done and kept from them in the past made complete trust impossible. Rebuilding broken trust was difficult, especially with only a few words. They were no longer friends, but he wasn't her enemy either.

"Is there anyone I know working in this lab?" Lily asked abruptly.

Mike was stunned, pausing before answering, "A few people here have worked with you before. Why? Did you meet them?"

"It's not them," Lily said resolutely, shaking her head. She had vague memories of the people Mike mentioned, but Lily wasn't one to socialize much. She only remembered those with whom she'd had close relationships. A quick glance at this man had revealed a familiarity, setting him apart. She was sure she knew him well, perhaps even intimately, but couldn't place him. After a silence, she said, "Turn around."

Mike was puzzled, but under her determined gaze, he obeyed. Lily carefully observed him from behind, stepping back to find a better angle, but still shook her head. She'd had a feeling from the start it wasn't Mike, but wanted to be certain. Yet, if not him, who could it be?

"What is it? Who did you meet?" Mike turned, seeing her furrowed brow. "You met a friend?"

"I can't be sure," Lily said lightly.

This organization was mysterious, with complicated relationships between its branches. It was difficult to know who they recruited. Lily and Alexander had been unaware of Mike's involvement until he revealed it. Now, it was hard to know who else she might encounter.

"Lily, it's not impossible to meet a friend here. Even after all this time, I haven't learned everything. They're incredibly secretive and cunning," Mike said, pausing to scan their surroundings. They were in an empty area, making it easy to see if anyone was hiding.

Ensuring they were alone, he lowered his voice. "But the boss should have all the secrets and key information."

"Oh?" Lily raised an eyebrow, her response direct.

Mike wasn't fazed by her attitude. "The organization has moved headquarters twice, but I saw nothing particularly protected during the moves. No safes or computers. I think it's something the boss carries."