"They're still working," Lily said softly, "but there are disturbances on the screens. It can't last long; otherwise, they'll notice something's amiss." She wouldn't have used this method if it weren't a unique situation.

Mike stared, surprised. "I've thought about this before, but the more I know you, the less I do. Is there anything you can't do?"

Lily glanced at him, shaking her head helplessly. "I'm just a jack-of-all-trades, at most."

She wasn't being humble; she only knew the basics of most things. However, she was exceptionally skilled in perfumery, combat, and medicinal herbs.

Mike disagreed. "If I were a jack-of-all-trades, my business wouldn't be where it is. Nicky wouldn't…" He trailed off, sighing. The topic ended there.

Lily knew his upset stemmed from thoughts of his son. She initially wanted to mention a possible rescue, but decided against it until everything was finalized. She hadn't met the other party and didn't know if a rescue was even feasible. Offering false hope would be worse than disappointing him with failure later.

'It won't be too late to surprise him if we rescue Nick,' she thought, saying nothing.

They entered the elevator. Mike, suppressing his sadness, became serious. "I've noticed four extra bodyguards outside the boss's office daily. They're not Hylanders; I've met them. I'll lure them away while you search."

"No, I'll lure them away. You go in," Lily said, watching the elevator numbers change.

Mike was stunned. Though Lily didn't face him, she sensed his gaze. "You understand the office layout better, and know where he might hide things. If you're caught, or there's an unexpected situation, you can handle it better, since you're more familiar with the bodyguards."

Mike nodded; her logic was sound, though he felt it inappropriate for a pregnant woman to face those bodyguards.

"The most important thing is…" Lily turned to him, continuing, "…you can't fight those bodyguards with your skills."

Humiliated, Mike couldn't retort. Despite her apparent fragility, he knew she was far superior in combat.

"But…" He tried to argue. Her reasoning was sound, but letting a pregnant woman face four burly guards while he searched felt wrong.

"It's set!" Lily patted his shoulder, deciding for them. Mike was struck by her similarity to Alexander.

They arrived at the top floor. Ding!

The elevator doors opened to reveal the four bodyguards. They were distinctly different from Hylanders—burly, their physiques evident even under loose clothing.