The small room grew stuffy after the bookcase door closed. Breathing was difficult without a window, but it served as a perfect hiding place for Lily and Edward. They exchanged a silent glance, then heard footsteps and voices outside.

Someone had discovered the bodyguards at the doorway and burst into the office, shouting, "Sir?! Sir!"

Lily tensed, gripping the desk edge as she listened intently.

"What took you guys so long?" Mike's voice, sharp with anger, boomed across the room.

"Mr. Corden?" The guards, clearly recognizing him, were shocked.

"You imbeciles! Where were you?!" Mike roared.

"Mr. Corden, what the hell happened?" one of them stammered.

"Someone barged in and kidnapped the boss," Mike said grimly. "I was wounded and couldn't stop them. They're a bunch of losers!"

Lily, though unseen, understood his reference to the bodyguards outside.

"Who were they? How did they enter the office? They need the passcode to get in here!" The guards were perplexed.

Lily sensed Mike's explanation hadn't entirely convinced them. He raised his voice, "How the f*ck would I know?! Why do you ask me? They nearly stabbed me to death! Stop wasting time and chase after them!"

The scolding left the guards confused, their suspicions likely allayed by Mike's apparent injury.

"Mr. Corden, how many were there? Where did they take the boss? How long ago did they leave?"

"A while ago. Just hurry! They dressed like our workers... just like you guys! They could be spies! Are you sure there are none among you?" Mike's words, a mixture of truth and deception, served as a perfect diversion, sowing discord within the organization.

"Mr. Corden, we would never betray the organization!" one guard protested.

"How would I know if there's a spy among you? If there isn't, don't waste time and chase after them!"

The guards seemed to grasp something. Their hurried footsteps faded into the distance, signaling their departure.

Lily sighed with relief. 'Mike's quick thinking saved the day. I wouldn't have known what to do. His injury helped; they're in a state of emergency now.' She paused, a new concern dawning. 'But if someone discovers his wound wasn't knife-inflicted, his lies will be exposed.'

Lily was about to leave their hiding place and tell Mike to depart when she heard a sound. As she feared, one of the guards returned within minutes. "Mr. Corden, which way did those men run?"

After a pause, Mike bellowed, "How the f*ck would I know?! Do you think they'd send me their location? If I weren't wounded, I'd be chasing them, not asking imbeciles like you for help!"