Mike rubbed his neck, still smarting from Verne’s near-grasp. “That was too close,” he muttered. He glanced at Fred, who watched the altercation with detached amusement, his eyes narrowed in scrutiny.

After a brief exchange of blows, the two men shoved each other back. Verne was about to charge Alexander again when Fred intervened. “That’s enough, Verne. They’re our guests.”

Verne complied, returning to his original position and fixing Alexander with a steady gaze. “You’re an excellent fighter, Mr. Russell. Your country certainly boasts a wide range of talents.” Fred’s clap lacked sincerity.

Alexander smoothed his shirt, replying blandly, “And your man is quite impressive as well.”

“He’s just adequate. Don’t mind him,” Fred said dismissively, barely glancing at his guard. Verne, however, remained impassive, his stare unwavering. Fred cleared his throat. “I understand your concern about Lily’s absence. However, I still hope to collaborate with her. I’ll explore ways to help you. And Hyderland’s police are quite efficient, you know. If you can’t locate Lily, you should certainly call them. With your connection to Secretary Rollins, I’m confident you’ll find her quickly.”

After a pause, he added, “I have other matters to attend to. Please excuse me.”

Mike felt a surge of anxiety. “Damn it! We’re leaving without accomplishing anything?”

Alexander rose, mirroring Fred’s movement. “We’ll see ourselves out,” he said casually. “You’re right about one thing. Finding someone with Hyderland’s police is simple, just as creating trouble here is difficult. You appreciate Hyderland’s safety, I presume?”

Fred stopped and turned, a smile playing on his lips. “Yes, I do. I enjoy everything here! Please do let me know if you hear from Lily. I’d be delighted to meet her.”

“Certainly.”

Fred departed. As they left the embassy, Mike muttered, “Seriously? We’re leaving empty-handed?” He’d expected helpful information, but instead, they’d been treated like fools. “How can that man pretend not to know where Lily is when it’s obvious they’re holding her? What an asshole!”

He’d encountered unreasonable people in business, but he never anticipated such blatant duplicity from someone of Fred’s stature.

“What else could we have done?” Alexander asked calmly. “Drop our charade, cause a scene, and get expelled? What would that accomplish? Ask the government for intervention?”

Mike was speechless, but he knew Alexander was right, despite his simmering rage.