Mike's expression darkened. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing much," Rhea replied languidly. Her gaze scrutinized him as she continued, "You were the only one there when the boss disappeared, weren't you?" She turned to the man across from her.

Mike slammed his hands on the table. "What are you implying? That I kidnapped him? Why would I do that? What would I gain?"

"That's a question I'll have to ask you," Rhea replied with a shrug and a knowing smile. "Perhaps you wanted to force him to reveal your son's whereabouts. Your resentment toward him isn't exactly a secret."

"Rhea Moore, don't be ridiculous! This puts us all in jeopardy! Besides, I was injured saving him. Everyone saw it. If you're going to accuse me, at least have some evidence!" He gestured to the bandage on his leg, revealing his injury as he pushed back his chair. Turning to the man beside him, he added, "Rick, you saw that too, didn't you?"

The sullen man lazily raised his eyelids, his brief glance radiating a powerful aura. Lily, watching, thought, He's no ordinary man.

"When we arrived, you were alone," Rick stated flatly. The objectivity of his statement seemed to subtly implicate Mike. A smile played on Rhea's lips.

Mike's annoyance flared. "What are you saying?! Are you suspecting me too?!" He jabbed a finger at himself, his leg shifting, causing the bandage to redden. Gritting his teeth, he spat, "I was injured saving the boss! Now you're all doubting me. What were you doing at the time?!"

Silence descended.

Mike's dissatisfaction was palpable. He turned to Rhea. "You've been close to the boss recently. You had no projects, and he didn't assign you any outside work. Where were you?"

Her brow furrowed. "I was sleeping!"

"Who can prove that?"

"I… everyone works alone. Who can verify my alibi? Since you want proof, I'd like to know what she was doing!" She abruptly shifted the question to Lily.

Lily, ceasing her pen-spinning, slowly raised her head, momentarily dazed before meeting their gazes. "I was experimenting," she said innocently.

"Heh, who can prove that?!" Rhea sneered. "I've already asked around. No one was in the lab."