Perhaps Lily had pressed a sensitive spot, or perhaps it simply hurt, but Edward's expression shifted as he loosened his grip on Mike. Mike seized the opportunity, breaking free and quickly moving aside. Unsure of his safety, he took several more steps backward. Though he had escaped Edward's grasp, Edward made no attempt to pursue him.

Instead, Edward struggled against Lily's hold. Despite her significantly lesser strength, he couldn't break free from her two-fingered grip on his wrist. He dared not use force. He remained rooted in place.

"I admit my failings and can only repay her in our next lives," Edward murmured, his gaze cast down, a lonely figure. He knew he would hurt Olivia most, but he felt he had no choice. He'd become unwittingly entangled in this, learning of the organization's horrifying actions. He could no longer return to his former self; he was poisoned by the virus. Facing his inevitable death, he sought to accomplish something meaningful—to destroy this place in his remaining days.

"F*cking bullshit!" Lily exclaimed.

Mike was shocked; it was the first time he'd heard her curse with such fury. Even when he'd lied to her, she'd calmly announced their separation. He'd never seen her this angry. "In your next life? What the fck is that? I dare you to ask her if she wants to be with you again in her next life. You owe her now*, in this lifetime! You're perfectly capable!" she continued. "Why sacrifice yourself for this godforsaken place?! We're leaving together, or no one is!" She grabbed his wrist, intending to drag him to the door.

Edward stopped her, astonished. "Mrs. Russell, I can't leave!"

"Why not? We're not going anywhere without you." Lily glanced toward the bookshelf. "Did you catch that man and hide him?"

Edward was stunned by her immediate deduction, but he didn't hide it. He nodded. "Yeah."

"Did you do that just to wait here for us?" Lily pressed.

Mike was speechless. He'd believed everything was under control. Not only was the organization monitoring them, but Edward knew their every move. Fortunately, Lily sensed this, something he hadn't realized.

A thought struck Mike. Once he rescued his son, he would take Nick far away and abandon his business. He believed his success was purely God's blessing. Lily remained unaware of his thoughts; she and Edward ignored him.

Edward frowned at Lily's question. "Yes, and no."