Chapter 2403

"Alex has been busy," Mike said abruptly.

Austin played along. "Yeah, we haven't seen much of him these past two days. I wonder what he's up to." He paused, then looked over his shoulder at Mike. "You're waiting for Alex?"

"What has he been doing?" Mike finally turned to face Austin, looking confused and suspicious.

"What else? He must be busy with the rescue. Besides, he can't just abandon his business, can he? I'm sure he still attends to it occasionally," Mike replied.

Thinking Mike was acting strangely, Austin added, "You're not suspicious of him, are you?"

"Can't I be?" Mike asked.

Austin instinctively reached for Mike's forehead, but Mike leaned back, evading his touch. "Are you feeling okay? What's gotten into you? You know what Alex has done for us. I know you're anxious about your son, but you shouldn't overthink things."

Mike looked at Austin intently, then toward the yard. "I'm not."

"You're not? Did you even hear yourself just now?" Austin countered. "We can't always do as we please, considering who they are. Besides—"

Mike interrupted, "Has the prince called you?"

"Huh?" Austin shook his head, caught off guard. "No."

"Oh," Mike said, looking dejected. His emotional instability was evident; any news concerning Nick significantly impacted his mood. Perhaps he would only calm down upon his son's return.

Just as Austin was about to offer comfort, a familiar-looking car pulled into the driveway. It took a moment for Austin to recognize it as Alexander's—he owned many cars and rarely used this one. As the car slowly entered the yard, Austin looked at Mike. "We're all friends, so stop imagining things, okay? I understand how you feel. Although I have no children, I know what it's like to have family held hostage..."

His voice trailed off as the car stopped. It wasn't Alexander who emerged. Austin exclaimed in surprise, "Uncle Dom?!" and rushed downstairs.

Mike stared at the older man, leaning over the railing expectantly. However, no one else exited the vehicle, even after it parked. Eyes wide, Mike spun around and ran downstairs as well.