The man narrowed his eyes. Mike, however, threw Lily an astonished look over his shoulder. He had always been submissive when bargaining with the man, his son held hostage by the organization. He dared not make demands; his outbursts were limited to yelling. Both men understood his limitations. Yet Lily, pregnant, seemed fearless and unconcerned.

"Aren't you afraid that—" The man began, but Lily cut him off. "Nope!"

"I'll die sooner or later," Lily said earnestly. "Yes, I want to protect my family, but it shouldn't be my responsibility alone. My husband can do it, too. Even if we fail, I'll have no regrets. But why should I believe you can?"

With a dismissive sneer, she continued mockingly, "If you were truly powerful, you wouldn't need me. You would have conquered the world long ago, not be depending on others!"

Her words struck a nerve. He wouldn't be working for someone else if he were powerful; he was merely a pawn.

Mike, taken aback, realized he hadn't considered this. He knew the man worked for someone; the organization's size and power intimidated him, as he'd failed to locate his son despite his resources. He now saw, thanks to Lily, that his fear should be directed at the organization, not this man.

'He's just a clown working for someone else,' Mike thought, his fear diminishing, replaced by deeper hatred. "You..."

Lily's exposure enraged the man; he wanted to stomp his foot. "Tell your boss I fear nothing. If they want to talk business, talk to me face-to-face." She left the office with the documents.

Mike watched the man for a moment before turning to leave, his respect gone.

Only the man and Rhea remained, a heavy silence descending. Suddenly, the man swept the items from his desk to the floor. "What insanity is this?! They've lost their minds!"

Rhea dodged the falling objects. Seeing this, his anger intensified; he picked up a book to throw at her, hesitated, and put it down. Glaring with red eyes, he asked, "Didn't you say everyone has a weakness? Didn't you say not everyone is indifferent like you?"

Rhea was speechless.