"No, that's impossible! Why wouldn't my daughter want to see me?" Maria found Austin's reasoning unacceptable. "I bet she's in danger."

Austin shook his head. "She's under the embassy's protection. Furthermore, she's a danger to others, not the other way around."

"That's a lie!" Maria shouted, glaring at Austin. "Rhea is well-behaved and intelligent. You took her away because you're jealous of her!"

Austin was speechless. He glanced helplessly at Alexander, who frowned at Maria. She appeared exhausted, her hair disheveled, her clothes in disarray, and her eyes bloodshot.

"She's not with us," Alexander said flatly. To him, Maria was an ignorant and pathetic woman, unaware of Rhea's clandestine activities and resentment toward her. Maria's attempts at reconciliation had only exacerbated the situation.

"I don't believe it!" Maria exclaimed. "You're working together to trick me! Return Rhea to me, or I'll kill you all!"

She produced a cleaver and lunged at Alexander. He easily disarmed her, grabbing her wrist and twisting her arm behind her back. Maria grunted, releasing the cleaver, which clattered to the floor.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Austin retrieved the weapon—a seemingly new cleaver. He hadn't anticipated such a reaction from her.

"Hey, Rhea isn't with us, got it? Why can't you—" Austin was interrupted by Alexander.

"Your daughter is safe. However, she's on a special assignment and can't see you now. Go home and don't cause her any trouble."

Alexander's words were surprisingly effective. Maria calmed down, processing his statement. "Really?"

"Yes. Your daughter doesn't like you interfering with her work, does she?"

Maria nodded thoughtfully. "You're right! She doesn't like me asking about her work. I won't ask."

Her eyes widened, a finger to her lips. "I'll go home. Tell Rhea I won't cause any trouble!" she said earnestly, no longer treating Alexander as an enemy, but holding his wrists. He grunted. "We'll tell her."

Maria sighed with relief and left.