Lily pulled her finger in reflex but did not withdraw it. She gave him a feigned, angry look and let him continue. When she put her finger in his mouth, she felt his tongue twirl around it, giving her a ticklish but enticing sensation. Lily knew what would happen next and gave him a gentle shove with her other hand. âCut it out!âAlexander did as he was told and let go of her finger while lowering down to kiss her lips. Due to their busy schedules with their child, work, and numerous other responsibilities, they had not had physical contact in a while. Additionally, he had been cautious because of her pregnancy. The kiss, however, ignited their pent-up desires. It was like starting an uncontrollable, blazing fire.After the first pregnancy, the two knew what to do, and besides giving him two gentle pushes, Lily did not resist him much before going with it.Their bodies became one on the soft bed, undulating like sea waves. Perhaps he had held it for too long, or perhaps the
âIâm not thinking of other men. Iâm thinking about something serious!âLily knitted her brow and continued, âDonât you think he seemed a bit strange today? He didnât talk about Blossom and only touched on the order and the deal when we brought it up. Also, Nicky didnât come today.ââDidnât he say the boy has to study?â Alexander thought nothing of it.âDonât forget that Nick takes one-on-one classes and his private teacher follows him around. How could he fall behind on his schoolwork? Also, when has Mike ever forgotten to bring him along whenever he comes here? Nick loves playing with Galen!ââThere seems to be something fishy about it indeed.âAlexander nodded but grew upset when he heard the last part. âWhat do you mean he enjoys playing with my son? Is Galen a toy?âLily suppressed a smile.Indeed, Nick was good to Galen. He thought about Galen whenever there was anything delicious to eat and fun to play with, but he could be pretty competitive while having fun. Nevertheless
âIâm scared theyâll use my research for unknown purposes, and thereâs no way to know what consequences it will lead to.ââDonât be scared.â Alexander held Lilyâs hand gently, trying to give her warmth and encouragement. âIf you think there might be a problem and donât wish to continue, then end the collaboration. No one can ever force you!âAfter experiencing an internal power struggle, La BeautĂ© Group grew steadily under Alexanderâs leadership, and its business empire became more diverse.As Alexander knew he should not put all his eggs into one basket, his company had not only involved itself in real estate, fashion, and entertainment but also branched out into new territories such as technology and medicine.Also, he was more visionary and had a more acute observation than others. That was what put La BeautĂ© Group in the leading position throughout Kingsland. Therefore, he was not exaggerating when he said no one would dare to force his woman to do things against her wishes.H
The following day, Alexander got out of bed to wash up, then went downstairs to have breakfast. After seeing Galen, he returned to the bedroom and found Lily still in deep slumber.He called her twice, but she barely opened her eyes and grunted before turning over and getting back to sleep.Alexander noticed how tired she was and felt a bit sorry. âHave I overindulged myself and made her that exhausted?âHe tucked her in and said softly, âDonât you have to attend a conference tonight? If youâre too tired, then donât go.âHe thought she was sleeping, but her lips moved while her eyes remained closed. âNo, this a symposium held by the Medicinal Herbs Association. I have to go.âAlexander did not expect Lilyâs mind to be so clear, even though she looked like she was sleeping soundly. He smiled. âHow about I get someone to send you over?ââNo, Iâll just take a cab. There are going to be a lot of old and pedantic men over there. I donât want to draw unnecessary attention.âAfter all,
Going straight over there, Lily saw a rather sizable boutique and walked in. Its interior design was quaint, and a mild scent of sandalwood filled the air. There were only a few customers and salespersons, and Lily started to check out the merchandise herself. Going around the aisles, she saw that most dresses were slim-fit and unsuitable, as they would make her bulging belly conspicuous. As she moved around the bend and was about to turn into the next aisle, a salesgirl approached her. âWould you like to buy a... dress?âThe woman paused halfway when she saw what Lily was wearing. Those who came here to shop usually wore expensive clothes, and the dresses here were not cheap as they were of top quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship.For the past two years, wearing branded clothing has been fashionable. Those who did so felt superior to others and looked down on those who did not. Lily had always worn simple loungewear to better take care of her son. Even when s
âButâŠâ The intern hesitated and wanted to say something, but the older salesgirl cut her off, saying, âHurry and go get it. Stop dawdling!âBiting her lower lip, the young girl went away. She soon returned with a bamboo green dress. Its material and craftsmanship were of a different grade than those shown to Lily before this.Lily could quickly tell that the dress was tailor-made. The light bamboo green dress was made with great attention to fit and detail, and it had bamboo patterns on it. Easy on the eyes yet elegant, it was pretty befitting for today's occasion. She liked it. However, from the internâs hesitant attitude just now, Lily could guess that the dress was not cheap, and as it was not on display, it might have been reserved by someone.âThe snobbish salesgirl is trying to embarrass me by tempting me with something she thought I couldnât afford.âLily acted ignorant and nodded as she said, âThat looks good. Iâll try it on.âAs she reached out her hand, the âsnobâ
The salesgirl watched as Lily took out a black and gold card. She had only seen that card once. At most, five people owned this card in all of Kingsland. Gosh! Who was this seemingly ordinary pregnant woman in front of her?Jane did not recognize the card. All she knew was that the dress couldn't be sold. So, she quickly explained, "Madam, I'm sorry, but this dress has been reserved. We can't sell it to you.""You can't sell it?" Lily raised her eyebrows, looking at the salesgirl bossing her around before this. "If you can't sell it, why did you take it out for me to see?""I'm sorry about that. Why don't you look at our other dresses? Some new dresses are equally as beautifulâŠ"Jane apologized repeatedly, and Lily raised her hand to stop her. "This matter has nothing to do with you. She was the one who ordered this dress to be taken out. I even agreed to pay for it first before trying it on. Now, you're telling me that this isn't for sale? Is that how you run a business?"As sh
When Lily glanced over, the salesgirl had her arms crossed with a respectful front. However, Lily did not miss the hint of dissatisfaction in the salesgirl's eyes.Although the card in her hand made her respect Lily more, everyone who entered the store was either rich or powerful. The individual that reserved this dress was not just any ordinary rich woman."MadamâŠ" The salesgirl smiled forcefully and continued, "Would you like to look around still?"'So, what if you have money? Weâre in Kingsland, and there are tons of rich people. Regardless of how rich they are, they would still have to bow to those in power.'Lily tilted her head and straightened out her clothes before casually glancing at the dress again. "I'm not the type that would take second glances. If nothing tickles my fancy at the first sign, there's no point looking around. Are you sure you refuse to sell this?"Her last sentence made the salesgirl's heart skip a beat.She dared not reject Lily directly, nor did she
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, âThereâs something I find strange.ââWhat is it?â Mike asked after comforting his son.âInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnât we reach him?âAfter some thought, Mike answered, âThere are two possibilities. Itâs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnât want us to contact him.âThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.âWhy canât we contact Ross? Is he planning something?ââŠThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenâs leg and looked up at her, saying, âYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itâll take some time before you can stand.âSuddenly, Lily chuckled.âWhy are you laughing?â 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, âOf course, you wouldnât.ââThatâs⊠quite a pity,â the queen murmured thoughtfully.âWell, thereâs a price to pay for everything. Thatâs how the world balances itself,â Lily continued, âI canât stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonât witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnât something youâll regret.âLily 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 Yasminâs legs. âYour Majesty, those needlesââThe queen waved dismissively. âItâs okay. Lily will remove them later.âEven so, Rick was wary. âYouâre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanâââShe wouldnât,â 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.âTell me. What do you want?â The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyâs 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 donât 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 wasnât sure if youâd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnât 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.âThatâs it?!â 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.âI havenât felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnât mind waiting for three more days.ââAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?â 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, âI canât guarantee that youâll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenât used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youâll recover slowly.âYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
âBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I⊠don't trust anyone." Yasminâs 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? Youâve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenât you tired of living a lonely life?âLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminâs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, âSightsee, huh? Iâve forgotten what thatâs like.âYasmin 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 Lilyâs suggestion.Lily asked, âWhat 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 couldnât 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 whoâs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youâ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.âHowever, 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?""YouâŠ" 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, âBring Lily over. Iâd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.â"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youâ"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, âHer Majesty wants to see you.âLily 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. âYou stay.â"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnât 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 queenâs 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, âIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonât do that to me. Itâs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iâm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.âAfter a short silence, Lily said, âYouâre right.â She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, âMe too.âDominic 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, âThanks, you guys!â"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donât be rash like you promised," Aust