"But you said yourself the boss is just a front, that he answers to someone else," Lily said.

"That's right, but I'm sure he also holds important information and secrets." After a long pause, Mike concluded the boss must have something to protect himself, even if he worked for someone else. Despite his ruthlessness, the boss had his own beliefs, his own plan and research. Before completion, Mike was certain the boss wouldn't risk his own safety.

"So, you're suggesting..." Lily raised an eyebrow, waiting for Mike to continue.

"We work together, find the secrets."

Mike knew Lily wasn't solely serving the boss; she was like him, seeking freedom from their control, wanting to leave the organization. He needed to stay to find Nick, his son, whose whereabouts remained a mystery until now. Lily's arrival was a significant help, though risky. But the risk was inconsequential; he was already risking everything to save his son.

"What's your plan?" Lily asked.

"He takes a daily break from noon to two, when the sun's at its strongest. I've observed him; he's weakest then. He never sees anyone during those two hours, unlike the rest of the day." Sometimes, the boss even summoned his people at night. Mike had meticulously counted; the boss was always alone from noon to two. This was their best opportunity.

"Then?" Lily prompted.

She knew he wouldn't have shared this unless he had a plan.

"We split up. You get the office intel; I'll provide cover." Mike stated directly.

Lily chuckled. "Why not the other way around?"

"That works too." She hadn't expected such immediate agreement. "But collaboration's more effective. It doesn't matter who goes where; we're running out of time."

Lily narrowed her eyes at the repeated phrase. "What time? It sounds like this whole experiment has been a countdown." Why a countdown? For whom?

Mike remained silent, his hesitation striking Lily. He'd been open with her until now. There was no reason to hide anything. Yet, he was clearly reticent about the time element.

"It's okay if you can't tell me," Lily said, understanding his hesitation.