"It's me."

Hearing Mike's voice, Alexander and Austin exchanged a stunned look. They felt caught red-handed, though they were only trying to understand what had happened to him.

Alexander offered Austin a reassuring glance, then rose to open the door. "What's the matter?"

Mike stood in the doorway, looking tired, his eyes bloodshot. He peered inside. "Austin's here too, right?"

Alexander glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah."

"Can we talk inside?" Mike raised an eyebrow, then rubbed it.

Sensing Mike's unease, Alexander nodded and stepped aside. "Come in."

He left the door open and led Mike inside, pulling out a chair. "Take a seat."

Mike remained standing, looking at the two. "You were talking about me, weren't you?"

Embarrassed, the others fell silent. Austin coughed, his fist covering his mouth.

Alexander answered bluntly, "Yes, we were."

Since Mike was being direct, Alexander decided to be upfront as well, though curious about Mike's response.

"About what, specifically?" Mike asked, his expression strange.

"Since you knew we were talking about you, what do you think?" Alexander countered.

Mike offered a bitter smile. "I know you'll never answer my question."

"Why do you ask?" Alexander pressed.

Mike shook his head, forcing a smile.

"Well, let's not beat around the bush," Austin interjected, attempting to ease the tension. "Whatever it is, we can discuss it openly. Let's solve it together, okay?"

"You mean discuss it openly between just the two of you?" Mike's expression was complex.

Austin was speechless. He thought, 'Damn, we're going nowhere.'

Mike sighed. "I know you two suspect me of letting Rhea go. No, to be precise, you're sure I'm the culprit, right?"

Alexander asked, "Are we wrong?"

Austin hesitated. "Are we?"

"No, you're right." Mike nodded readily, surprising them both.