"We were worried sick when we heard they abducted you. I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Yeah, right! If you were worried, why didn't you come and save me?" Dominic glared at Austin.

"We wanted to, but you were in the embassy. Besides, I doubt you'd let them bring you there against your will," Austin replied, pausing. "So you wanted to come, right? To save Lily?"

Dominic said approvingly, "Not bad. You know me quite well."

Austin, however, showed little excitement. Time was short. He asked, "You were the one who invited me here, right?"

Dominic nodded. "They were kind enough to grant my request. They wouldn't let me see Alexander, but you, on the other hand..." He gave Austin a meaningful smile. The latter posed no significant threat to the embassy; therefore, they allowed him to see Dominic. Furthermore, the embassy monitored their conversation.

"Granduncle, you—"

Dominic held up a hand. "Stop talking and listen! What's happening now is beyond your capabilities. I don't know what you've been doing, but your best option is to do nothing."

"You want us to do nothing?" Austin asked, astonished.

"Yes, what you do won't matter. It's beyond you," Dominic said seriously.

"But..."

"No buts. Go back and tell Alex what I just said." He paused. "Don't worry too much. There will always be someone who can handle it. What you can't do, others can do for you." Austin was puzzled.

"All right, time's up," Dominic said, glancing at the clock. Rick had permitted their meeting, but only briefly and under constant surveillance.

"Why so soon?" Austin held his granduncle's arm. "Come back with me. What are you staying here for? They can't keep you here!"

The old man cleared his throat and disengaged Austin's grasp. "Do you think they can keep me here against my will?"

"Then—"

"I want to stay. Just drop it," Dominic said, appearing unconstrained. "Just go back and tell Alexander what I said. Oh, and Lily is fine, too. Don't worry."

"You saw her?" Austin asked.

"Yes, I see her often. Just don't worry, okay?" Dominic nodded. "Don't get too anxious. When we're done, we'll go back. What we need most is time."