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. โWould you like to buy a... dress?โThe 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
โButโฆโ The intern hesitated and wanted to say something, but the older salesgirl cut her off, saying, โHurry and go get it. Stop dawdling!โBiting 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 internโs 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.โThe snobbish salesgirl is trying to embarrass me by tempting me with something she thought I couldnโt afford.โLily acted ignorant and nodded as she said, โThat looks good. Iโll try it on.โAs she reached out her hand, the โsnobโ
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 beautifulโฆ"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."Madamโฆ" The salesgirl smiled forcefully and continued, "Would you like to look around still?"'So, what if you have money? Weโre 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 remembered Alexander mentioning that name a few times before and how Secretary Rollins had a daughter whom he adored. He even invited Alexander to her birthday party the next month, and Alexander wanted to bring Lily along.At that time, Lily had just laughed it off. After all, why would a pregnant woman attend a little girl's birthday party? Moreover, she did not even know who Secretary Rollins's daughter was. Then Lily had forgotten about her, brushing it off as a joke.Still, it seemed like the person who reserved this dress was a big shot. However, that salesgirl did not have the right to name-drop like that."Oh?" Lily smiled at the salesgirl. "What does that have to do with me?""B-Butโฆ""All I know is that you recommended this dress, and I loved it. Now that I want to buy it, but you're telling me it's not for sale?" Lily took her phone and continued, "If that's the case, I think I should call your manager or any other high-ups of yours to check the rules of this bouti
The hall was already full even before half past six. Instead of it being an industrial exchange, people here were more eager about the fact that Dominic's secret apprentice would be present.Dominic was the best in the world regarding his medicinal skills. He had no more than five apprentices, and rumor was that he was extremely strict and demanding of them.However, a few years ago, he suddenly took in another apprentice and declared that he would keep the identity of his new apprentice a secret. Since then, he had stopped taking in apprentices.The new, young person lucky enough to be Dominic's apprentice naturally aroused everyoneโs interest. They were curious to see what kind of individual could have such an honor. The highlight was that everyone heard that the apprentice was young.For Dominic to favor him must mean this person was no stranger to the outside world.However, the people present today were acquaintances and knew each other. Naturally, none of them were Dominic's
However, it did not matter anymore. Lily planned to sit for another ten minutes, and if the man did not show up, she would not blame him for it. Instead, she would just let it slide."You're right, Mrs. Moore, but I still think that you shouldn't be too persistent on this," Jared said flatly as he patted her shoulder."Mr. Langston, you'll never understand how I feel. Although Tasia is my niece, I love her like my daughter. If it weren't because Mr. Fike doesn't practice anymore, I wouldn't have put my hopes in this young man."The woman let out a long, melancholic sigh."Don't worry too much. I'm sure Ms. Rollins will be fine!" After the man said this, the sound of footsteps gradually faded away. It seemed that they had left. Lily glanced at the time and was about to leave when she heard a curious voice next to her. "Are you eavesdropping?!" The voice sounded interrogative and unfriendly. Lily was startled. When she snapped her head toward the direction of the voice, she saw
The man who came was wearing a white suit. Although he seemed young, he had an alluring charm and elegance.Everyone turned their heads as soon as he entered the door, and people that knew him immediately surrounded him. "Mr. Fike, you're here!" "We've been waiting for you!""Mr. Fike, I heard that the research institute's new project is very intriguing. Will you talk about it today?" "Mr. Fike, why are you alone today? Is your teacherโฆcoming?" Maria had been so cautious about it when almost everyone had the same suspicion. When it came to this group of people, secrets spread like wildfire.Many people believed that Austin was the secret apprentice that Dominic took under his wing. This assumption initially stemmed from the fact that both of them had the same surname, and they began to suspect that Austin and Dominic were related. Otherwise, why would Dominic take in such a young person as his apprentice and keep it a secret? Even old friends who were close to Dominic did no
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, โThereโs something I find strange.โโWhat is it?โ Mike asked after comforting his son.โInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnโt we reach him?โAfter some thought, Mike answered, โThere are two possibilities. Itโs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnโt want us to contact him.โThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.โWhy canโt we contact Ross? Is he planning something?โโฆThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenโs leg and looked up at her, saying, โYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itโll take some time before you can stand.โSuddenly, Lily chuckled.โWhy are you laughing?โ 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, โOf course, you wouldnโt.โโThatโsโฆ quite a pity,โ the queen murmured thoughtfully.โWell, thereโs a price to pay for everything. Thatโs how the world balances itself,โ Lily continued, โI canโt stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonโt witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnโt something youโll regret.โLily 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 Yasminโs legs. โYour Majesty, those needlesโโThe queen waved dismissively. โItโs okay. Lily will remove them later.โEven so, Rick was wary. โYouโre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanโโโShe wouldnโt,โ 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.โTell me. What do you want?โ The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyโs 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 donโt 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 wasnโt sure if youโd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnโt 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.โThatโs it?!โ 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.โI havenโt felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnโt mind waiting for three more days.โโAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?โ 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, โI canโt guarantee that youโll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenโt used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youโll recover slowly.โYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
โBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""Iโฆ don't trust anyone." Yasminโs 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? Youโve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenโt you tired of living a lonely life?โLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminโs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, โSightsee, huh? Iโve forgotten what thatโs like.โYasmin 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 Lilyโs suggestion.Lily asked, โWhat 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 couldnโt 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 whoโs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youโ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.โHowever, 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?""Youโฆ" 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, โBring Lily over. Iโd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.โ"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youโ"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, โHer Majesty wants to see you.โLily 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. โYou stay.โ"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnโt 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 queenโs 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, โIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonโt do that to me. Itโs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iโm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.โAfter a short silence, Lily said, โYouโre right.โ She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, โMe too.โDominic 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, โThanks, you guys!โ"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donโt be rash like you promised," Aust