Rhea placed the wooden case on the desk, thought for a moment, then brought the pen holder to the front. Turning around, she took two steps away, then returned to put the wooden case inside the pen holder. She took out several pens and pencils, fit them nicely inside, and let out a slight sigh of relief. She took her clothes and a towel, then went to take a hot bath in the bathroom, as she had not been home for many days. Although there were bathrooms and restrooms at the research institute, she could not take a nice bath there as they were not well-equipped. Lying in the bathtub, she felt her overworked mind and body start to relax, and she grew sleepy. After some time, Rhea jerked awake and was shocked to realize she had fallen asleep in the bathtub and there were footsteps outside. Her brain grew sharp immediately, and she quickly rose from the bathtub. Putting on a bathrobe, she neared the door and heard the footsteps stop outside, not far away. She suddenly pulled the door
“Ree, what are you talking about? I told you I was just trying to please Tasia and why. If it weren’t for your uncle, our family—”“If it weren’t for Cameron Rollins, we would still be living in poverty and hunger?” Rhea said impatiently and picked her ear. “I don’t want to listen to these things. I’ve heard them enough. If you want to curry his favor and live off him, that’s your business. I, Rhea Moore, don’t need him!”“Ree, you shouldn’t say that.” Maria wanted to say something else, but seeing Rhea’s impatient expression, she gave up. “Okay, I’ll stop talking! Still, you’ve grown up and should understand why I did it, shouldn’t you? Stop acting like a child.”She spoke soothingly, trying hard to patch things up with her daughter.Rhea pulled a long face and did not reply. She sat at the desk and touched the pen holder gently and thoughtfully.Maria felt gloomy and helpless looking at Rhea. She did not know how to communicate or bond with her daughter.“Ree, you’ve been so bu
Maria noticed her daughter’s disdainful tone and hurriedly said, “Ree, you have no idea because you weren’t there. The miracle doctor is amazing. Out of so many doctors, only he knew that Tasia had gotten poisoned and her obesity had an uncommon cause. Besides, after taking his prescription, I can see that she’s getting better.”“Oh, yeah? How is she better?” Rhea smirked, but no one could tell if she was smiling.Maria thought her daughter’s reaction was weird but did not think much about it. As Rhea rarely showed concern for Anastasia and was willing to talk more, Maria started to babble on the topic, “She looks slimmer, but a fatty can quickly lose weight anyway, and there’s no telling how much she would eventually lose.“However, Tasia has been in good spirits. She used to look sick whenever I talked to her, but not anymore. Anyway, I now feel strange going to your uncle’s house. Every time I step through the gate, I feel like I’ve entered the wrong house.“I haven’t gotten use
Rhea knew what her mother was like and repeated to emphasize her point, “I genuinely don’t want them anymore, so don’t bring them back, okay? If you do, I’ll throw them away, believe it or not!”“Okay! Okay!” Maria nodded repeatedly and believed that her headstrong daughter would do such a thing.‘If you don’t want them, then so be it. There’s no need to get so riled up, is there?’Rhea took out a hand cream, squeezed some onto the back of her hands, rubbed them together, and slowly spread the cream while asking, “So you’re saying Lily Russell has taken all plants away?”“I guess so. I can only say that it’s hard to see even a strand of grass at your uncle’s house since Tasia has moved all the plants away. Now I think the house looks empty and cold without them.” Maria hugged herself and made a show of shuddering to indicate that she was not used to the change.“Has Lily studied medicine before?” Rhea asked thoughtfully. When she noticed Maria’s puzzled look, she added, “Didn’t yo
Looking on as Anastasia gulped down the herbal soup, Lily handed her a napkin and took the empty bowl from her. “Can you handle the taste?”Wiping the corners of her mouth, Anastasia nodded. “It’s not bad!”“Not bad?” Lily frowned. ‘Even the smell was so pungent. How could she still think it’s not bad?’Seeing her doubtful look, Anastasia chuckled, then picked up a glass near her to take a sip of water and said, “I’ve had God knows how many weird medicines that taste worse than this. The bitter ones were still acceptable, but some were truly disgusting. I…”Pausing, she waved to indicate that she better stop or she would throw up.“You ate them to lose weight?” She could guess so, and Anastasia nodded.“What else? Anyway, I suffered a lot before this, and looking back, I wonder why I should waste my effort. I might as well eat normally and perhaps become a 650-pound fatty and stay that way. Who knows? At least I didn’t have to go through all that.” She sighed. Although it happene
“Dee-Dee won’t let…” Turning around, he pointed upstairs. “Mom and Tasia want to talk.”He could say simple, incoherent sentences. Lily was initially concerned, wondering if he had trouble expressing himself, but she later learned through research that Galen was considered a precocious communicator.A child his age was unable to put sentences together coherently. Galen was doing quite well, and he was able to express his thoughts logically.Hearing what he said, Lily and Anastasia almost looked upstairs at the same time and saw Daisy hurry over to the stairwell and smile in embarrassment. “Ma’am, I worried that he would disturb you, so I didn’t let him go downstairs, but he ran out when I went to get some clothes for him.”“It’s okay. I’ll keep Galen company. Go do your things,” Lily said blandly.Daisy said, “Okay,” and went back upstairs. Carrying Galen over, Anastasia sat on the sofa and asked, despite herself, “Lily, the nanny is so young!”“She’s slightly over 30, I think.
Anastasia stayed until nightfall as Lily wanted to see how her body responded to the medicine.The young woman had gone to the toilet five times in the afternoon. She did not feel much pain in her stomach, which kept growling and making her fart. Embarrassed, Anastasia wanted to leave several times, but Lily stopped her.Lily told her that these were normal reactions to the medicine and she did not need to feel embarrassed. Besides, Lily had to observe Anastasia to make sure she was okay before she could make further adjustments to her prescription.Anastasia had asked her if she should try the prescription given by Austin, but Lily did not allow her, saying that it might clash with hers. However, if she wanted to, she could try it after finishing Lily’s prescription.Fully trusting Lily now, Anastasia, however, had given up that idea.Stepping out of the toilet for the last time, she felt drained and sweating, like she had taken a hot bath. As the weather was not too warm, she th
It would be fine if Lily did not know it before, but now that she knew things were not as simple as they seemed, she felt uneasy letting Daisy accompany her son like this."Daisy." Lily stood at the door with her arms crossed as she looked at Daisy and asked, "How long has it been since you've worked at our house?""About four months," Daisy replied after some thought."Hmm, after so long, you have yet to take leave to visit your family. Don't you miss them?" Lily's question sounded natural as if she was discussing familial matters with Daisy."I don't have any family members, Madam. You must’ve forgotten. I'm the only one left," Daisy shook her head and answered. She showed no sadness or joy when she talked about this. She was not lying either.When she applied for the job, Lily did a background check on her. Both of Daisy's parents were dead, and she had no siblings. Daisy was married once, but her husband passed away as well. The child she gave birth to died at a young age. At
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