“You… you’re Ms. Riggs, right?” Confronted, one of the sales assistants thought she might as well ask her directly. “Yes.” Heather nodded. “You know me?”“Oh my God!” Their reaction surprised Heather as they screamed in excitement. “You’re really Ms. Riggs! We guessed you were when you entered our shop and you’re much prettier than how you looked on TV! We’re so happy for you. Congratulation on your marriage!”Heather was stunned. She was clueless about what they were saying about TV and marriage. ‘Wait! Marriage?’Reminded of what Hannah did, she narrowed her eyes. “Where did you see me? I mean, on TV?”“Yeah, yeah!” One of them nodded vigorously. “The video of Mr. Russell proposing to you had gone viral on the Internet. It’s so romantic and you two make such a great couple!” ‘Great couple, my ass!’Her expression grew serious, and her gaze became fierce. The salesgirls had not expected her to react like this. Not only was she not happy, but she had also become
Ralph jolted awake when he heard something. He looked over his shoulder and saw Heather sitting inside the approaching car and excitedly jogged to it.Chump noticed him, looked over his shoulder, and said, “Miss?”“Ignore him and drive!” Heather said coldly.Chump followed her orders and stepped on the accelerator as the car swished past Ralph so fast that it nearly knocked him over if he had not gotten out of the way in time.Ralph was shocked. He saw the gate to her house open, but when he caught himself and went after the car, it closed again, and he slammed into it with a bang. The impact was so significant that he clenched his teeth in pain.Having the gate shut in his face, Ralph was perplexed and angry. If he had been tolerating the woman before this, he decided she had gone too far now.‘Although women are as mercurial as the temperature, Heather alternated between extremes. If other women change their minds every other week, Heather might change hers dozens of times in a
Ralph would have been dead if he did not dodge the arrows in time.‘This is too much!’He got up and got mad seeing the row of arrows and shouted, “Heather Riggs, I know you can hear me! What’s the meaning of this?! We have to talk through this today!”Even though he coveted her properties and wanted to join forces with the Riggs family to defeat Alexander, he could no longer take it. He believed he might lose his life thanks to this capricious woman before he could do anything to Alexander.‘I might be able to tolerate her temper, but what she’s doing today is too much! Is she trying to kill her husband?‘She was fine yesterday and even shyly accepted my marriage proposal, yet she’s become highly hostile today. Such a dramatic reversal is too much, and no woman in her right mind would do so!‘Yes, she has a screw loose. Heather must be a nutcase!’ Ralph got angrier the more he thought about it. He stood there, arms akimbo, and shouted at the surveillance camera, “Come out, Heath
Ralph saw the gate open before his eyes and wondered if Heather had finally decided to let him in. Now that she had finally opened the gate, Ralph hesitated. ‘I’ve scolded her for so long. Is she trying to lure me in so she can attack me inside?’ Thinking so, he grew scared but did not want to appear as a coward.He chuckled coldly toward the surveillance camera. “Why? Must I enter if you open the gate? I simply won’t! Why should I do what you want me to do? I’m telling you, Heather, I’ve had enough!“I let you do what you want because you’re the daughter of the Riggs family, but I’m somebody from the Russel family, and you've gone too far lately. I won’t entertain you anymore!” Ralph turned to leave.Meanwhile, in the living area, Chump saw Ralph heading toward his car, lowering his head slightly. “Miss, should I bring him inside?”Heather curled her lips, and Chump knowingly went away. There was a vroom of a motorcycle as it raced away.Outside the gate, Ralph was genuinely le
Although Chump said nothing, he controlled the speed well so Ralph would not die from this. However, by the time he rode over to the main entrance of the house, Heather, who stood on the staircase, could see that Ralph could hardly scold her anymore. His haute couture suit was in tatters, and the man lay feebly on the ground, looking as though he was dying. “Oh, it’s you, the famous Mr. Russell. What’s the matter? I thought you wanted to say something to my face?” Curling her lips, Heather was in a much better mood now. ‘No one can leave safely after criticizing me. I won’t let it happen!’ Ralph wanted to curse her, but his whole body was falling apart. Feeling pain all over, he suspected his skin was scraped here and there and wondered if any of his bones were broken. ‘How could this woman do this to me!’ Being the youngest son, Ralph was not his father’s favorite and had not been made the heir to the family’s business, but he was pampered by his mother and had always enjoye
Giving him a thoughtful look, Heather turned and headed back to the house. “Follow me!”Staring after her, Ralph took a moment to respond. He looked over his shoulder at the emotionless man standing near him and lifted his foot to follow her. Walking up the stairs caused him to feel pain all over. Clenching his teeth, he took a breath and glanced at the man as he moved past him. He vowed inwardly that he must get even with him one day. Entering through the door, he saw Heather sitting on the sofa, making tea as if nothing had happened.Upset deep down, he strode over to the sofa in front of her and sat down despite the dirt on him. Heather shot him a glance and said, “Chump, bring Mr. Russell to take a shower and prepare clean clothes for him,”When Chump was about to leave, Ralph held up his hand. “There’s no need. I think at least I’m being unique, aren’t I? Stop dawdling and just get to the point. I don’t deserve to wear your clothes anyway.”He was being sarcastic. ‘It’s
“Yesterday you…”He wanted to say that she had accepted her marriage proposal, but he knew she was capable of backing out. As he had expected, she said, “That was yesterday and I’ve changed my mind today. Besides, no one asked you to do such a shameful thing and publicize it. You publicly proposed to me and let others treat me like a circus monkey? Did you find that interesting?"She grew upset thinking about what happened yesterday. ‘The worst part is that the woman he proposed to was that wretched girl, not me!’Ralph was confused about why she had gotten angry over this today. ‘Wasn’t she pleased yesterday?’ “So you’re upset by the onlookers?” He thought about it and concluded as such. “Does it matter? What matters most is whether you can get what I want most from Alexander Russell!” Getting impatient, Heather said. “Well, it’s not impossible, but… about Riggs Group’s shares…” ‘If she could give me the shares, then I could at least have my personal holdings.’ He knew
Ralph got up and said confidently, “I think you won’t be able to find a better candidate than me.”He was not utterly confident, but he knew Heather could not find a better candidate for the task than him. Ralph also knew she would not have made such an offer if she had options. He now felt that 30% of the shares was insufficient.‘If Heather can make such an offer just like that, it means the secret handbook is worth much more. However, there’s no hurry in making a counteroffer. Once I get my hands on it, I’ll be in a good position to negotiate the price. I’ll get even with her for the injuries and humiliation she has given me today!’Ralph turned to leave but remembered something and looked over his shoulder at Heather. He looked her up and down and fixed his gaze on her cup-holding hand.Made uneasy by his stare, Heather grew slightly upset. “What is it now?”“Where’s the ring I gave you?” Although it was not that expensive, he made an effort to choose which one to buy. Seeing
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust