Everyone had a motive, but Lily could only adapt to these cunning individuals. Mike, though uncertain, nodded. "Don't worry. I'll find clues from Rhea."

After a pause, he asked, "But...how do you know it's her?"

"I'm sure," Lily replied. "Unless there are other medicinal herb experts here."

Mike shook his head. "Besides you and Rhea, everyone's proficient in modern medicine. I vetted all the personnel." He admitted a caveat: "Of course, I can't rule out unknowns, but I haven't encountered anything."

Lily pondered, then asked, "Are there any Arkadians here?"

Mike was startled. "I don't think so."

"Are you sure?"

His hesitation grew with each question. He shook his head. "I'll check again, but I doubt it. What's wrong? Do you suspect Arkadia's involvement?"

"Not necessarily," she replied lightly. "Perhaps check if Rhea's been to Arkadia."

"Okay, I will!" he declared, though worried by her lingering doubt. "Alex already found Nicky and promised to help with the rescue. Helping you helps me."

Lily was surprised. "You know where Nicky is?" The child's innocence worried her; she knew Alexander was searching. She was grateful that he had failed to mention that he had found where Nick was.

"We found him!" Mike smiled, his worry easing after Alexander's update. However, Nick's location was difficult to access. Mike alone stood no chance; Alexander, however, was different. Mike knew La Beaute Group's reach extended to Yudonia's royal family. Only Alex can help me rescue Nick!

"That's good news!" Lily breathed a sigh of relief. "But, I've discovered countless poisons being studied in this lab—it's beyond belief. Be careful; these people are inhumane." Who knows when they'll use them against us?

Mike nodded. "I will. You should too." We'll both be fine, reunite, and I'll protect Nick.