โWellโฆโ As Thompson hesitated, Austin continued, โProfessor, I know theyโre watching you too. If you go to the police, Iโm afraid you wonโt be able to make it to the police station. Itโs even more unlikely for you to reach my family.โLily, however, is closely related to the laboratory. You can tell them youโre facing a bottleneck or want to ask her about previous lab data, and then they wonโt suspect you if you meet her.โLily can fight, and her husband is Alexander, whose family wields a huge influence in Kingsland. Only she can help you and me!โ Probably because the bread and water had strengthened Austin, he could think clearly and calmly.Looking at Thompsonโs expression, he slowly loosened his arm and said earnestly, โProfessor Thompson, I have no idea what the experiment is about since you canโt tell me, and Iโm not going to ask you about it.โHowever, you should know better than anyone that you canโt let it continue. Perhaps theyโve threatened you with your family's safety,
The car headed toward the estate and gradually moved onto a desolate stretch of road. It was empty, with almost no cars or people in sight.Lily did not drive fast on such a road, but a car followed them at a moderate distance, drawing her attention.She had not minded it at first, but whether she turned or braked, the car remained behind them without overtaking her or going off to a different road, seemingly keeping the same distance.Knitting her brow, she felt something was not right and glimpsed over her shoulder at her son, seated safely in the child safety seat with the belt tightly on. โGalen, sit tight! Mommy is going to speed up,โ she said half-jokingly, not wanting to alarm her son.โOkay!โ He nodded sharply and held onto the seat belt with one hand.Lily looked at him and then at the car through the rearview mirror. She stepped on the gas, and the car sped up and raced forward. The car behind did the same, tailing behind. Someone was indeed after her.Being alone wit
The car, which had kept a certain distance away, suddenly sped up and barreled toward them. Instead of trying to pass them, it was coming straight at them.โThe pursuer is hostile!โNarrowing her eyes, Lily cocked her head a bit and had no time to glance at her son. โSit tight!โShe floored the gas pedal, and the car shot forward like an arrow. Not wanting to make a single mistake, she focused on the road ahead as trees swept by the vehicle on both sides.Hearing that something was not right, Dominic hurriedly asked, โWhat happened? What happened?โโNothing. The car behind us looked like it was about to hit us, so I sped up,โ Lily answered.โHit you?โ Dominic shouted. โHow is that nothing?โLily then heard him talking on the phone with his men. โYou guys heard that? Why are you so slow? Hurry up! If anything happens to them, Iโll kill you!โShe had never heard him so angry before. No matter how angry he got, he never threatened to kill anyone. The most he would do was tell othe
There were two men in the car. One was the driver, and another the shooter. Lily could not see their faces clearly since the two men were wearing sunglasses, but she knew the gun was not a prop.As the two cars moved alongside, the man in the passenger seat aimed his gun at her. Lily held on to the steering wheel tightly, ready to make a sharp turn. โIโve got to protect my son, no matter what!โThe man showed no emotion and looked cold-blooded as his finger slowly pulled the trigger.Lily gritted her teeth. โHang tight, son!โShe turned the wheel sharply as she stepped off the gas pedal, then floored it again. The car swung abruptly toward the other vehicle and banged loudly against it. Three gunshots were fired.Lilyโs car thrust the pursuersโ vehicle for quite a distance off the road across the muddy land on the side.Unprepared, the driver lost control of his car after the powerful impact while the shooter desperately tried to keep himself from falling.Dominicโs men were tai
After not stepping out of the estate for many years, Dominic finally broke his rules for the mother-son duo today.Dominic waved at Lily while she pulled her car over and was about to remove her seat belt. โNo, no, park inside! Itโs not safe outside.โLily was surprised.โGrandpa, itโs safe. Bad guys are gone.โ Galen leaned out of the window, excited that his mother had outmaneuvered the pursuers. โOkay, okay, go inside first.โ Dominic was shocked to see how damaged Lilyโs car was.Judging from its state, he could tell how dangerous it was. If his men did not arrive just in time, or if Lily did not know kickboxing and could not respond swiftly, things might have ended badly.Dominic took Galen from Lily and carefully examined the little guy inside the house. He breathed a sigh of relief after noticing Galen had not suffered even a scratch. โGood thing youโre not hurt. Were you scared?โGalen shook his head. โNope!โโHa, you werenโt scared, but I was terrified!โ Dominic patted
Dominic sounded as if something had happened, and Lily was puzzled. โAustin? Whatโs wrong with him?โโThereโs nothing wrong with him. Heโs doing great! He also dared to hang up on me and has even turned his phone off for two days!โ Dominic got upset and puffed his cheeks.Galen thought he looked funny and started to pinch and poke his puffy cheeks.โHey, hey, you little brat! Donโt be so heartless like your mommy, okay? Youโve grown bolder after just surviving an ordeal, have youโhey, hey, not my beard!โ Dominic whined as he played around with the boy.However, Lily had a vague feeling that something was not right. Having spent some time around Austin, she knew what kind of a person he was even though she was unfamiliar with him.โAustin might behave like that to others, but heโs subservient to Dominic. Did he hang up on the old man? Thatโs so unlike Austin. Besides, he even turned off his phone for two days.โโOld man, why would Austin hang up on you? Were you fighting?โ Lily as
โHe wouldnโt dare!โ Dominic blurted it out.However, the look he gave Lily changed as he also felt that something was wrong.At first, he thought angrily that Austin was being disrespectful by hanging up on him and turning off his phone. Now that he had heard Lilyโs reasoning, he felt that there was more than met the eye.โThenโฆโ He frowned. โWhy?โโHave you called his parents and asked why he has turned off his phone for two days?โ Lily asked.Dominic shook his head vigorously. โNo, no, no, Iโd never ask them! I havenโt visited them for so many years. Besides, why should I inquire about this? What has it got to do with me? It should be turned off so he canโt bother me!โโWhat if he had an accident? Or something happened to him? You may brush it off if you donโt know any better, but how could you live without doing anything if you knew that something might be up?โ It was not that she worried too much, but many things had happened recently.Besides, people were trying to hunt her
Austinโs father was embarrassed. โWell, Austin might be experimenting in the lab. He often turns off his phone while experimenting,โ he explained thoughtfully. โWhatโs the matter? Has Austin done anything wrong?โSensing that Dominic was upset, Quincy Fike asked carefully.โExperiment? It has gone on for so long, donโt you... Anyway, heโs your son. Havenโt you tried contacting him?โ Dominic could not help but mock him.Quincy chuckled and explained, โWell, thereโs a reason, Uncle Dom! Austin doesnโt like us to mind his business and is quite similar to you in some ways. Heโs very focused on the work heโs doing. We called him before, but he either said it was inconvenient to talk while experimenting or he had no time to be outside and would contact us when he was free.โBoth his mother and I are used to it, so we rarely call him unless thereโs anything urgent.โ Knowing Dominic was upset, he added, โWould you like to leave a message for him or know when Austin will be back? Iโll ask
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