Yasmin smiled at Dominic once more and left. Her bodyguard approached, grasping the handlebars of her wheelchair. Holding the hand rims to stop the wheels, she looked up at him. "Place Lily and the miracle doctor in the same suite. Make sure it's spacious and comfortable."

"As you say, ma'am," the bodyguard replied, and went to handle the task.

Yasmin looked over her shoulder at the closed door and sighed deeply.

Mike hadn't gone far from the embassy's entrance when a car pulled up beside him. He stopped and got in. Alexander, inside, asked solemnly, "How did it go?"

"I gave it to her," Mike replied flatly.

"Did she buy it?"

"I think so."

Alexander nodded in satisfaction. "Rhea is suspicious by nature and self-centered. She might suspect something if it were simply handed to her. The more she has to work for it, the less suspicious she'll be," Austin added, shaking his head. "That's human nature."

"Well, human nature is complex," Alexander said regretfully. "That's why some people use it to harm others."

"Are you talking about Fred?" Austin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not just him, but many others."

After some time, they noticed Mike's silence and exchanged puzzled glances. "What's the matter? Something happen?"

"No," Mike shook his head, looking exhausted and unhappy.

Sensing something was amiss, Alexander asked, "Was it something Rhea said? Or did something happen at the embassy?"

"No..." After a pause, Mike said in a quavering voice, "My son is dead."

"What?!" Alexander and Austin exclaimed simultaneously, shocked.

"Who told you that?" Alexander asked. "Or did you see something?" He placed a comforting hand on Mike's shoulder.

Staring at the car floor, Mike said grimly, "Rhea said Nicky is already... It's true."

"That's impossible!" Austin protested. "Rhea's full of it! Don't believe a word she says."

Nodding, Mike said seriously, "I know she could be lying, but I..."