In any case, I'll rescue my son, my way. If successful, please return him to his mother in Westwood. She's unreliable, but she's still his mother. Besides, I've arranged for his lifelong care. If I fail, at least I'll have done what a father should—die with him.

Mike smiled faintly, as if seeing his son. The others found his expression unsettling; he seemed resigned to death.

"Mike, what are you doing? Are you planning to take them down with you? Even then, you might still fail to rescue Nicky," Lily said, despite herself.

Mike nodded. "I know I can't fight the Yudonian government alone, but I'm willing to risk my life. As I said, I don't care if I fail. It's better than waiting here and doing nothing."

The wait was unbearable. He'd secretly made preparations long ago, intending to act if Dominic failed. He wouldn't have revealed his plans if not for the change in circumstances.

"Don't tell me you've…" Alexander mused, "...bought them?"

Mike readily nodded. "Yes, I did!"

"Are you out of your mind?!" Alexander exclaimed, shocked.

"What? What did you buy?" Austin asked, bewildered.

"Firearms?" Lily ventured.

Alexander remained silent, but Mike nodded subtly.

"You've lost your mind!" Austin declared, alarmed. Purchasing firearms was illegal in Hyderland.

Mike replied indifferently, "If they can use weapons for evil, why can't I? Besides, it's not difficult to obtain them, and I have the means."

"Yes, we could all buy firearms, but how do you plan to smuggle them into the country?" Alexander asked. "Or have you already devised a way?"

Alexander suspected Mike had planned ahead, and as expected, Mike nodded. "That's right! Queen Yasmin broke the law by importing firearms. If she could, so can I!"

His determination was clear.