Austin thought it highly unlikely.

"I hope this information is false, but..." he continued. Still, if the information were inaccurate, Alexander wouldn't have told Mike.

"So that's why Fred always refused to release my son? They never intended to, huh? All that talk about needing my funds was a lie!" Mike paled, his voice shaky despite his calm demeanor.

Even Austin, childless himself, understood Mike's anguish as a father. He'd felt terrible witnessing the virus torment Dominic and his family; Mike's son was just a child.

Austin slammed the table, roaring, "Those sick bastards!"

"So Lily's safe for now, but Nicky is running out of time?" Mike, despite his ordeal, couldn't maintain his composure. "That's correct," Alexander said, knowing Mike needed to face the truth. He'd initially hesitated to reveal Lily's fate, but he had to. It was Mike's turn. "Since they need Nick for the experiment," Alexander continued, "doesn't that mean he's still there?"

Hope rekindled in Mike's eyes. He looked up, asking, "What are you trying to say?"

"Since Fred chose Nick as a vessel, I believe Nick is in the embassy. Even if your son isn't there initially, they're likely to transfer him. That provides an opportunity to rescue him." This was Alexander's carefully considered conclusion.

"You're right!" Mike nodded. "Let's go rescue him now."

Seeing Mike leap to his feet, Austin quickly grabbed his arm. "Are you crazy? You don't know where he is. The embassy is teeming with people. Do you think you can force your way in? Don't be reckless!"

Mike's neck veins bulged as he lost control. "I don't care! Knowing Nicky's there, how can I not rescue him? If we wait, they might start the experiment!"

The thought made him tremble. He couldn't forgive himself if he failed to save Nick now that he knew his location.

"Austin's right. Don't be rash. They won't begin the experiment immediately, and Nick is safe for now. Rushing in could endanger him," Alexander said gravely.