Early morning found Alexander jerking awake from a nightmare. He hadn't slept properly in a long time, a secret he kept carefully guarded. He couldn't afford to show his distress; he needed to remain calm and vigilant to rescue his wife. Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, Mike's words from the previous day still unsettled him.

His dream had depicted Lily trapped in an aquarium, someone injecting her with something. Her agonizing screams, her bloating and decay, had jolted him awake, drenched in sweat and panic. He palmed his head, forcing himself to believe it was only a dream, that Lily was still alive—for now.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Edward. "Yeah?"

"Sir, we've escorted the doctor's family out of the country," Edward reported.

Alexander grunted in acknowledgement, rubbing his temples. The lack of sleep and the vivid nightmare left him slightly dizzy. "There's something else…" Edward hesitated.

"What is it?"

"The doctor hasn't left yet. He wants to meet you."

"For what?" Alexander asked.

"He says he has something to tell you."

Alexander glanced at the clock; it was still early. "Where is he?"

"At the harbor," Edward replied helplessly. "He refused to board the ship with his family. He stayed behind." The doctor had stubbornly insisted he would cause more trouble fleeing, preferring to offer his help instead. Edward had been unable to persuade him and had called Alexander.

"Bring him over then," Alexander sighed. "Be careful."

"Yes, sir!" Edward hung up. He looked at the doctor in the backseat, who shook his head. "I'll take you there. Sit tight."

An hour later, Edward pulled up to Alexander's. The doctor emerged, glanced around, and entered. He found Alexander waiting inside. Despite prior encounters, the doctor wept uncontrollably. Alexander was stunned.