"Is there anything else?" Lily assumed there was more to the conversation, as Olivia hadn't yet hung up. Olivia was usually decisive and quick to end calls; lately, however, she seemed unwell.

"Lily, have you been swamped lately? Alex seems to be as well."

Lily paused. "Do you want to ask about Edward?"

"Is there any news about him?" Olivia asked anxiously. Her worry was palpable, the reason for her call evident. "Are you two not in contact?" Lily was surprised.

Edward, though seemingly under control, had lived with Olivia before leaving, having been with her since his return. Afterward, it seemed those controlling him targeted Alexander, attempting to drive a wedge between them.

Later, when the situation was revealed, Edward threatened to leave Olivia. She wasn't unconcerned; she simply wanted to know his whereabouts.

"No," she whispered, her voice low and sad. "When he moved out, I couldn't stop him. We aren't divorced, but I feel like I'll lose him. He's never been so resolute. He used to talk to me, never raised his voice. Now… it's like he doesn't want me anymore."

Olivia's voice choked with unshed tears. Her effort to remain composed only intensified Lily's discomfort. Lily could only offer gentle comfort. "No, you know he's actually…"

"I know. I know it's not really him. But because of that, I feel even more likely to lose him. Lily, is there any way to cure him? What kind of symbiote is controlling him? Who is controlling him?!" Olivia finally unleashed her questions. She had no one else to confide in, and Lily's recent busyness had limited their contact. The lack of an outlet felt suffocating.

"That's…" Lily hesitated, unsure if Edward's controllers were linked to the organization. She had suspicions but, after several days, had found no trace of Edward. A thought crossed her mind: Are we moving in the wrong direction?

Olivia immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Lily. I lost control."

"It's okay. I understand your worries. How is that losing control? Those are your sincere thoughts, and I'm glad you shared them," Lily said softly.

After a pause, she sighed. "However, what's happening with Edward is strange. I don't have any clues yet. Please tell me or Alex immediately if you have any information about Edward's whereabouts. You have his number. Also…" Lily remembered something. "But he's been dealing with things recently, so you might not be able to reach him. Besides, things outside aren't great right now. Be careful, wear a mask when you go out, sanitize, and…" After a long pause, she added, "Try not to go out if possible."