It was strange for Alexander to get an apology from a baby. However, when Galen was just born, the couple agreed that they would not argue in front of their children, even when they had different opinions on how to educate their children.They had to look like they were on the same team, at least in front of their children. If one side felt that the other was wrong, they would discuss that privately. After all, nothing would work out if they treated their children differently. With puffed cheeks and pouted lips, Galen looked highly adorable. First, he looked at his mother’s stern expression, then at his indifferent father before finally saying softly, “Sorry.”“Who are you saying sorry to?” Lily asked deliberately, slightly tilting her head as if she did not hear him.“Papa!”Alexander was stunned once again. ‘He knew how to address me, after all. He was just going against my words earlier.’“Don’t pretend to cry and make false accusations anymore!” This time, Lily patted Galen’
“You’re twisting my words on purpose. You know that’s not what I meant.” Alexander leaned forward as well until the tips of their noses met. “Galen will take over the Russell family in the future, so he needs to be trained from a young age. You said we shouldn’t pamper our children too much, didn’t you? Hmm?”He rubbed the tip of his nose against hers and lowered his gaze to her lips. Her lips would part and close again when she spoke, looking extremely seductive to him.“Yeah. We can’t pamper him too much, but we shouldn’t torture him. I still think it’s too early for him to start, and…” Lily paused and placed her hands on his shoulders, pushing him slightly further away. “What if he’s not interested in business and doesn’t want to take over the family?”‘This man is always moving closer to me without my realizing it. When I look at his face, which is close to perfection, I lose my ability to think. Also, he would talk about serious topics every time, which would always end up with
“It’s nothing.” Lily shook her head and leaned into his arms. Suddenly, she asked, “I went to try it today, and it’s as I had expected. After adding the essential oil, the evaporation time of the medicinal herbs will be delayed.”“Yeah.” Alexander nodded in response. He knew little but was willing to listen to everything she said. “What’s the implication of that?”"If I try it a few more times, I'll be able to convince them that the experiment was successful and the desired outcome was obtained." Lily stretched out her arms and fiddled with her fingers. When she was in the institute, the smell of medicinal herbs got on her, but fortunately, Galen was used to her body smelling like all sorts of things and was not repelled by it.“You still think they have other motives for doing this experiment, don’t you?” Alexander added after a moment of silence, “Why don’t I get someone to find out what they’re up to?”Lily shook her head and said, “It’s not that I don’t want you to investigat
The first two types were to make someone sink into a deep sleep and make someone excited, respectively, so Alexander guessed that the third kind should have an effect in the middle of the spectrum.That was only his guess, to which Lily shook her head decisively. “No! You won’t be able to guess it. The third kind is poison.”“Poi-” Alexander's eyes grew wider as he tilted his head to look at her, unable to joke about it. “Didn’t you say the experiment was to create something that would save lives, lessen the patient’s pain, and expose the public to the benefits of medicinal herbs?”“That’s what they said, but they also said that poison is a type of medication.”“Nonsense!” Alexander was furious. ‘What’s all that cr*p they’re talking about?’Lily chuckled. “Not entirely. Some medicinal herbs are poisonous, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used to treat illnesses. If it’s used correctly, it’ll be able to save lives as well. We’re trying to add a medicinal herb with poisonous prop
Alexander did not want Lily to worry too much. After all, pregnant mothers were relatively weaker, and overthinking would not be suitable for her health.However, Lily was too bright. She could figure out many things without needing him to tell her about them.Sighing, he said, “I’ll find out about Mike’s situation while you stop overthinking the matter. Since this is how the project is, we should stop it. I’ll withdraw my investment, and you’ll leave the team. Let’s see how they’re going to move forward after that!”“But…”“No buts!” Alexander placed both his hands on Lily’s shoulders. That was his first time stopping her from doing something in such a severe manner.In the past, he would support her no matter what she wanted to do, but he could not do that this time around.“Although we’re unsure what they’re up to, it’s a given that this is a dangerous project. It might involve more things and parties than you could’ve imagined. I know you’re always interested in finding the a
Upon entering the gate, one could smell the faint scent of plants. All sorts of unique ferns and plants, from the gate to the residence, made it difficult to travel by car. The plants dotted a gravel path, so the maids would need to walk quite a distance whenever they were going out to purchase anything, as there was only a parking space for cars near the main gate.Only a few would visit Dominic here most of the time. Initially, many would come over and seek Dominic’s medical advice, but he refused to meet any of them.After getting rejected several times, they started to understand that Dominic would not meet them. He was an older gentleman with a strange attitude. Besides his students, it was also difficult for his family members to meet him. As time passed, fewer people would visit, leaving the villa’s surroundings quiet. As Dominic loved the quiet atmosphere, he stayed home most days. Hence, this place appeared more deserted by the day. However, two cars were parked in front
Flower fragrances and birds chirping filled the backyard while the sun shone brightly in the sky.An older gentleman was lying on a bamboo rattan chair, rocking it leisurely. He held a purple teacup in his hand, putting his mouth to it and sipping from time to time. He was free at this moment.He wore a white wife beater, while a pair of woven slippers was on his feet, but only on one side. He used the other foot to sandwich the slipper between two of his toes as he shook his leg, with the slipper looking like it could fall any minute.No one would have imagined that this older gentleman, who appeared to be just another older man, was Dominic Fike, the legendary doctor everyone wanted to meet. He squinted his eyes and appeared to enjoy the moment. From time to time, he would open his eyes and look to his right. That appeared to be a casual gaze, but he was always anxious.On his right side was a vast herb field, and all the plants were his “babies.” Besides himself and the profes
“Since you know what it is, why did you want to touch it? You…” Dominic blinked his eyes, suddenly realizing something as he said sternly, “You did it on purpose!”“I didn’t do it on purpose. I was just curious if there were any exceptions, like perhaps it isn't as poisonous now that it has been improved and cultivated differently.”She held her cheek up with one hand and looked out over all the other ferns and plants, straight at the yellow flowers of the wilfordi root.The herb looked average, similar to other plants. The tender, green buds looked like tea leaves, but who could have imagined this was the poisonous wilfordi root?Most people might not be familiar with the wilfordi root. It belonged to the famous plant family—heartbreak grass!According to the myths, a farmer had tasted all sorts of herbs and finally tried the wilfordi root, which brought about his death as it was something that could not be treated.Although it was just a myth, it was a fact that the wilfordi ro
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