The driver turned his face slightly. Although the light was dim, it was clearly him. Edward casually replied, "It was all right."

Even so, Alexander knew it must have been a nightmare for Edward—even more so than the gunfights, assassinations, and betrayals they had once faced together. The sense of helplessness, of being out of control, of possibly harming even those closest to them, was unthinkable.

"If it weren't for—" Alexander began, but Edward quickly interjected, "It's not your fault. The organization is inhumane. Even if it weren't me, they would have targeted someone else. Besides, it allowed me to obtain useful information." After a pause, he continued casually, "Perhaps fate made it happen."

Alexander chuckled, feeling slightly relieved. "Since when have you believed in fate, Edward?"

"People change," Edward laughed. "Lily once said we all think differently at different stages of our lives, depending on our experiences."

His smile faltered, and he fell silent.

"I'm sure she'll be all right," Edward said, tilting his head. "She's smart and capable."

"She is," Alexander nodded, his finger tapping his knee. "That's why I'm worried." Sometimes it's not good to stand out.

Although Lily had tried to keep a low profile and focus solely on her perfumery, she still became a target. Perhaps, as Edward said, some things are fated. The organization found her and dragged her into this mess. Alexander could only blame himself for failing to protect her, for not being strong enough.

A successful businessman for many years, Alexander had always considered himself powerful, but recent events had revealed his powerlessness.

He and Edward remained silent. It was dawn when they arrived at the Rollins' residence. Edward was about to pull up to the gate when Alexander stopped him. "Let's wait a while. Anastasia might still be sleeping."

Edward parked the car in the shade of a nearby tree. However, they soon heard an approaching ambulance. It sped past them, and the gate to the Rollins' residence opened to admit it. Shocked, Edward glanced at Alexander, who looked alarmed.

After a while, the ambulance sped out.

Alexander exited the car, frowning, and hurried to the gate to prevent it from closing. "Who was in that ambulance?"

He already suspected the answer.

"It's Ms. Rollins," the maid replied, surprised to see Alexander and answering truthfully.

Alexander asked gravely, "What kind of illness?"

"I've no idea. Ms. Rollins has been feverish and coughing for the last two days. She even started throwing up blood this morning. She was also in a stupor, so we called an ambulance," the maid shook her head. "That's all we know."