Edward leaned against the outside wall, lighting a cigarette. As he exhaled a plume of smoke, he saw the doctor emerge from the house. Edward gestured toward the building with his chin. "Why not spend more time with them?"

The doctor, without answering, asked, "What do you want from us?"

"Huh?" Edward looked puzzled.

"You saved my wife and children, then released them. There must be a condition. What do you want me to do?" The doctor had already considered this inside. He knew their release wouldn't be unconditional. He was willing to do anything to ensure his family's safety; nothing else mattered.

"There's no demand," Edward said, waving dismissively. "None."

The doctor was shocked. He thought, How can that be? He did me a great favor. Surely they'll have a demand.

Noticing the doctor's disbelief, Edward straightened, speaking solemnly. "We wouldn't have released your family if we wanted something from you. Holding them hostage would be far more reliable. Mr. Russell ordered their release and has arranged for you and your family to go somewhere safe. He has no demands either."

Overwhelmed, the doctor's voice trembled. "W-Why?"

"Because..." Edward paused, flicked his ash, and looked at the doctor. "We all have wives and children."

The doctor was incredulous. He recognized Alexander's sentiment. He thought, Everyone has loved ones and understands the pain of losing them. How can they bear to let others go through that suffering? He was an innocent victim, caught in a terrible situation. Everyone involved faced similar struggles, leaving him powerless to resist. He didn't want to cause Alexander further trouble.

The doctor's numbness to threats and blackmail, stemming from his family's abduction, had given way to profound shock. He'd expected a transfer from one perilous situation to another, never imagining this unconditional release and reunion.

"Aren't you afraid I'll run away with my family?" he asked, his voice still shaky.

Edward chuckled. "Why would we? Do you think you're indispensable to us?"

The doctor was confused. I thought I was, he mused. Otherwise, why would they go to such lengths to help me rescue my family? They even made arrangements to prevent the organization from finding us.

Edward took another puff of his cigarette. "You're right. Initially, we needed you to pass messages and provide information. But now, we probably won't need that anymore."