"Edward?" Mike, recognizing him as well, confirmed. Edward, Alexander's longtime associate, was constantly at Alexander's side. Mike had encountered him many times before. He hadn't initially considered it, but Lily's question prompted a closer look. The man bore a striking resemblance to Edward, even down to his build. "Turns out it's a friend of ours!" Mike exclaimed, relieved.

Relaxed, Mike's wariness subsided. Shaking his head, he questioned, "Why are you here? Did you fight those four men? Good job! But why are you here? Did Alex send you?" His rapid-fire questions missed the simmering tension between the others. Edward remained silent, offering no response to Lily's earlier question, his gaze intense.

"Why don't you remove your mask?" Lily pressed. "Is it because you don't dare show your face, or are you too embarrassed?"

Mike sensed something was wrong. Edward's Alex's assistant, he mused. That makes Lily his boss, yet she's hostile. That's not like her. Hesitantly, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Lily continued to stare, her words seeming to address both Mike and the masked man. "Or are you ashamed?" "What?" Mike's confusion grew.

"Ask him," Lily suggested, calmly directing Mike towards the man.

"Are you really Edward?" Mike remained uncertain. Despite the strong resemblance and Lily's confidence, doubt lingered. If it is him, why is he so cold to Lily? And she mentioned someone controlling him… Could it be…

A moment of silence followed, then the masked man spoke lightly, without removing his mask: "The things you're looking for aren't here."

Mike was stunned. The voice was undeniably Edward's. "Edward, it's you! What the hell are you doing?" His familiarity with Edward almost spurred him to a playful punch, but he restrained himself. "Go! Leave this place!" Edward commanded.

Mike was bewildered.

"The things you're looking for aren't here. Staying will only endanger you both. This is a devil's den—leave!" Edward added.

He seems concerned, but why is he here? And how does he know our plans?