"Since the boss is missing, I guess Rick's under pressure too?" Lily asked lazily.

"That's inevitable. We're not in direct contact with the higher-ups. Even if they wanted to pressure us, they'd do it through…" Mike paused, looking at her. "So, what's your point?"

She shook her head. "I think Edward's reckless attack might not have been entirely wrong. Before, we were hesitant, afraid to act against the boss. Edward doesn't think things through; he's straightforward, but sometimes, simple actions lead to breakthroughs." Mike pondered her words.

He thought, She's right. I hesitated because of Nick. Lily wanted to target the mastermind, so she didn't act either. But Edward knew nothing. He only wanted to destroy the base, even if it meant his death. Now, with the boss missing and everything chaotic, Lily saw an opportunity. She'd had no contact with Rick before, yet she thought it was time to find the mastermind.

"But Rick would never let us talk to the higher-ups," Mike said, knowing Rick well. The organization's secrecy stemmed from its many layers. Only Mike, Rhea, and a few others knew the boss existed; fewer still knew of someone above him. Most were entirely unaware.

Mike had worked for the boss a long time, yet he still didn't know how vicious the man above him was. He'd tried to investigate but found nothing. Rick appeared and disappeared without a trace; if he hadn't acted on his own, no one would have known he existed.

"Whether he wants to isn't the same as whether we can," Lily replied, a slight smile playing on her lips. She seemed confident.

Pausing, she looked at Mike. "However, we have a pressing matter to resolve."

"You mean…" Mike trailed off, glancing at the door. The corridor was silent.

Their conversation ended. After a moment, Mike said, "Leave it to me."

"Are you sure?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded, standing. Turning to leave, he seemed to remember something and turned back, his gaze falling on her swollen belly. Lily found his stare unsettling and instinctively covered her belly, frowning. "Is there something else?"

He hesitated before asking, "Are you expecting soon?"

Lily was quiet for a moment. "Less than two months. I'll be fine."