Chapter 1604

The waiter, relieved, silently left the booth. Lily glared at Mike, a furious fire in her eyes. "Mike Corden," she demanded, "how much did they pay you to be their lackey?" After all, he had once been her friend. Despite their differing opinions, she wouldn't normally hold a grudge, but his words today ignited her anger.

Alexander lay in a hospital bed, his life hanging in the balance; the virus's trajectory unknown. Mike knew the nature of Alexander's illness and his suffering, yet instead of visiting him, he'd confronted Lily, insulted her, and offered a terrible deal. Standing while he remained seated, she seemed imposing, yet Mike remained calm, silently enduring her outburst and the shattering of her glass. Only after she finished did he look up, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

"How much did they give me? They took my son," he said.

Though he smiled, Lily saw it wasn't a happy one. His knuckles were white from gripping his cup.

"What?!" Lily was stunned. "You're saying Nicky is...?"

"It's been almost half a year, and I still don't know where he is. I've searched the world, using every resource I have, but… I can't find him. I have no clue." He finally released his pent-up anguish. "Tell me, what would you do if Galen were kidnapped?" He looked at her, a wry smile twisting his lips.

Lily was speechless. A moment ago, she was screaming accusations; now, she was lost for words. Suddenly, she understood his earlier question—how her son's life compared to strangers'. She hadn't considered it then, dismissing it as hypothetical. Now, facing his dilemma, she couldn't judge him. She knew that in her own desperation, she might make the same choice. She had her moral lines, but when it came to her son, she was merely a mother willing to sacrifice everything.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have contacted the Russell family…" Lily began, sitting down slowly. Mike interrupted.

"It's useless! Do you think your contacts and resources are superior to Alexander's? This organization is far beyond your imagination, far beyond what you can handle. I'm not trying to scare you, but it's true."

"I'll find a way to save Nicky," she said slowly, after a moment's reflection.

"So, you refuse to cooperate?" Mike's gaze dropped, his face darkening. "You know what kind of people they are. I can't…" Lily frowned, stopping him mid-sentence.