Chapter 1599

"I'll pick you up as soon as I finish work. You…" Mike paused. "You must learn to take care of yourself while I'm away, okay? You're growing up, you know?"

"I know!" Nick nodded obediently.

"Daddy, you should take care too!"

This nearly broke Mike. He suppressed the pain and began, "Nicky, you—"

Before he could finish, the screen flickered and went blank.

"Nicky?! Nicky!" He sprang to his feet, lunging toward the screen, but to no avail. He saw only his own reflection.

"Mike Corden, the time has come," a cold voice pierced the silence. A man emerged from the shadows, remote in hand. "I've already kept my promise. I hope you won't break yours."

Mike slapped the screen, a desperate gesture. "Let my son go! He's just a child! He doesn't understand anything! I'll do whatever you want!"

The man chuckled, a horrifying sound. "Do you take me for a fool? Without your son, would you be so obedient? Mike, I know what you are. Don't play games. You've seen how well we've cared for him. However, I can't guarantee his safety if you rebel."

The threat was unmistakable, draining the color from Mike's face. He knew this organization's methods; this man wasn't bluffing. The man's satisfaction was evident as he saw Mike's pallor. He nodded. "I don't care what you do, but get Lily on board. We need her for the final stage of this experiment."

"Don't you have Rhea?" Mike asked, looking up.

"Isn't she enough?"

"That's not for you to decide," the man retorted, clearly annoyed. "Time is running out. She can't do it alone. That's why…" He paused, then decided against further explanation. "Whatever it is, just do as I say and stop asking questions!"

"I understand," Mike replied, head bowed.

"Reluctant to involve her?" The man turned, chuckling. "It's your choice, Mike. Your son, or that woman?"

"No! I'm willing to do anything, boss!" Mike denied it swiftly. "I hope you'll keep your promise and not hurt my son."

"Don't worry. Your son is adorable. How could I hurt him?" The man smiled, but Mike's heart remained heavy.

Lily arrived home, packed a few things, and returned to the hospital. Everything seemed peaceful. Greg sat on the edge of the bed, masked. Lily was impressed; she'd relied on sheer willpower to stay awake guarding Alexander. Yet Greg's eyes were wide open; he seemed tireless, unwavering.

"Greg," she said, entering.

He silently rose at her approach.