Edward soon returned to the car. Alexander sat, leaning back in his chair instead of his usual upright posture.

"Collaborate with you? How?" Alexander asked calmly.

"I have resources and expertise; you have money and manpower. Together, we can potentially outperform the organization," Rhea said, rising, her eyes hopeful. Alexander chuckled. "Did you propose this to Mike, too?"

"Of course!" Rhea smiled disdainfully. "He's useless. You, however, are different. Wealthier, more powerful, and smarter." Her compliment failed to impress Alexander. "Where's Cameron?" he asked.

"Somewhere safer, naturally. This house isn't a fortress; anyone could break in. Keeping him here was temporary. Besides, I told Mike about this place. It's only a matter of time before you arrived uninvited," Rhea said smugly.

"You're smart," Alexander conceded.

Rhea's pride swelled. "Naturally. So? Will you collaborate? We both oppose the organization. I can help you rescue Lily. Isn't that tempting?"

"You think you can?" Alexander was skeptical.

Rhea nodded, sensing his doubt. "I can feign a deal with the organization. If I offer a better alternative, they won't need to sacrifice Lily. I just need someone to lead me to them, and I know you can!"

"You have that much faith in me?" Alexander chuckled. "Do you think I'll work with you?"

"Why not? I have Cameron Rollins, and you need to save Lily. It's a win-win. It benefits you more, so you have no reason to refuse," Rhea said confidently.

Alexander shook his head. "You're wrong. Our beliefs and principles differ fundamentally; I'll never collaborate."

"Don't you want to save Lily? Don't you care about Cameron's life?" Rhea stepped closer, watching Alexander turn away. He must be bluffing! she thought.

"I'll rescue my wife myself. As for Cameron, do you think he's so easily managed? Given his position, how long can you hold him hostage?" Alexander's tone was mocking.

"What do you mean?" Rhea frowned, then relaxed, unconvinced. "You're bluffing."

Alexander chuckled, ignoring her. Rhea's certainty grew. "The fact remains: I have Cameron. You could call the police, but I'll kill him first!"

"He's your uncle, for God's sake!" Alexander blurted.

"So what? We're not blood relatives. Even if we were, I don't care! If he hadn't asked my parents to care for Anastasia, and if it weren't for his position, my parents wouldn't…" Rhea paused, taking a breath. "Anyway, Cameron dies before I do. Besides, the organization has lethal viruses, and so do I!"

She tilted her head, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "You should know that, shouldn't you? Didn't Mike ask for your help? If not, he's truly an idiot!"