Lily nodded, agreeing with Mike. He hadn't understood initially, but after hearing her explanation, the situation became clearer. After a moment's thought, Mike said, "I have an idea."

Lily looked curious.

"Can you guess how the 'boss' will react when he discovers the organization has abandoned him?" His voice was soft, but a hint of a smile played on his lips, revealing his cunning. Lily admitted she'd had the same thought. She nodded. "Good thinking."

Mike took a deep breath. "I'll handle it. If you need anything, just find me!"

Staying a day at Dominic's estate, Alexander felt time slow; he'd never felt so free. Although he still received calls and worked on his laptop, attending video conferences, his workload had decreased significantly.

Dominic would sometimes awaken, groggily complaining before falling back asleep. After a day of this, at midnight, he suddenly vomited blood. Austin remained vigilant, rarely sleeping, rushing to Dominic's side whenever his symptoms worsened; otherwise, he studied ancient medical texts. Meanwhile, Alexander tucked Galen into bed, noticing the light spilling from the study across the hall. A wave of sentiment washed over him. He'd grown accustomed to managing many things independently, believing himself capable of anything. Yet, he realized there were limits to his abilities. In moments like these, he felt helpless.

Suddenly, a thump startled him in the quiet night. His gaze instinctively went to his son.

Galen had opened his eyes, staring blearily and wide-eyed at his father, seemingly jolted awake, disoriented.

Alexander shushed him, gently placing a finger to his lips. "Daddy will take a look. Stay here, okay?"

Galen nodded, his tiny hands clutching his blanket.

Alexander immediately rose and went to the study, finding its door ajar—presumably, Austin had rushed in. He knew Dominic had been waking in agony for the past two days. Hurrying to Dominic's bedroom, he was shocked by the scene.

Dominic was slumped, half-sitting, half-lying on the bed, his head drooping, clearly not fully conscious. Austin sat before him, one hand supporting Dominic, the other… "What the hell are you doing?!" Alexander's horror erupted in a shout.