Mike was astonished and glanced at Edward, waiting for an answer. Edward's silence confirmed their suspicions.

"You're insane," Lily said calmly, her voice devoid of emotion, as if stating a fact.

Mike agreed. "If that's your plan, you're crazy! Do you know how many people are here, how tight the security is, and the sheer number of viruses—both developed and developing—present? Are you aware of all that?"

He continued, "How will sacrificing yourself bring this place down? This isn't a vaccination center; that's a cover-up. Do you think you'll leave alive? Even if you die, no one will remember you as a hero, only as a sinner!"

"I know," Edward replied, calm and almost indifferent. "I don't care."

Mike was speechless. He and Lily cared, and he realized anyone connected to the Russells seemed insane. He'd always considered Edward sensible and reliable. What had happened to him?

Before Mike could formulate a response, Edward's voice cut through the air. "Leave now! You haven't much time. Others will realize what's happening."

He grabbed Mike's collar, then hesitated, grabbing Lily's arm instead. Lily, already stepping back, twisted his arm, restraining one of his hands. He could fight back, but the status difference made it inappropriate.

"Mrs. Russell, please don't make this difficult," Edward pleaded, his voice sounding like his old self.

Lily's gaze intensified, but she remained silent, her grip tightening.

"Let me go!" Edward, lifting Mike by the neck, tightened his hold. Mike struggled to breathe, feeling humiliated. Lily still held Edward's hand, yet he easily lifted Mike with one hand. Mike's embarrassment grew; he was a grown man, yet helpless.

"Mrs. Russell…" Edward, unable to use force against Lily, grew anxious.

After a pause, Lily's gaze, filled with conflicted emotions, landed on him. "You're severely poisoned!"

Edward was stunned, but his expression quickly steadied. He didn't deny it, replying calmly, "It doesn't matter."

"It does!" Lily's voice was solemn. "Have you considered Liv? She's waiting for you, pregnant, and always trusted you. Even with your treatment of her, she never resented you. She's so loyal, yet you'd do this? Did you think of her and your unborn child when you made this decision?" Her grip tightened as her anger flared.