"I'm talking about Nick Corden," Lily said.

Fred frowned, puzzled. "Nick Corden?"

"Mike Corden's son," Lily said bluntly. "You kidnapped the boy to pressure Mike. Don't pretend you don't know."

"Oh, that boy!" He looked as if he'd just remembered Nick, then asked curiously, "Why do you care about someone else's son? Is he… yours?"

Lily saw through his irritating tone and look, but didn't bother arguing. "My babies and Nick are insignificant compared to a duke like you," she said. "It's a favorable exchange, wouldn't you agree?"

Fred rested his chin in his hand and smiled. "I suppose you're right."

"So, is that a yes?" Lily asked.

"No!" Fred said decisively.

Lily was stunned. She'd expected his agreement after a moment's hesitation. Mike was useless to him now; holding Nick hostage was pointless.

Lily stressed, "Think carefully. It's your life. Nick is useless to you, as is Mike. You'd be doing everyone a favor."

"Anything but that boy."

Fred remained stubbornly unyielding, much to Lily's surprise.

"Then…" Lily paused, then said, "I can't give you the antidote. You're running out of time."

She'd expected this to sway him, but his resolve was unusual. He pushed himself up from the desk, saying, "So be it! I'll see you and your twins in hell then."

Lily knew he was in pain, yet he refused to yield. He straightened, threatening her, "Think carefully, Lily. It's your best chance to save your babies. Seize it, because I might not make it tomorrow, or I might change my mind." Lily was speechless.

He was proving far more difficult than she'd anticipated. As he turned to leave, she exclaimed, despite herself, "Wait!"