"Okay, let's say he changed. What are you planning to do next? Are you going to cut him off?" Lily knew Anastasia was fuming with anger, so she played along."Yeah! Who cares! I'm not scared of him!" Anastasia retorted.Lily instinctively laughed when she heard that. "It's not a question of whether or not you’re afraid. It's a question of your reluctance.""I…of course, I am willing to! There's nothing to be reluctant about!""Silly girl! It's just a dispute. Besides, adults will always weigh the pros and cons before they act. Of course, I'm not dismissing your importance, but maybe your father had other things to reconsider. Maybe he isn't brushing you off. Maybe he's just pushing it aside for now," Lily said.To be frank, she had no idea what was happening with Cameron. Even if she was not there and did not see anything, Anastasia's story sounded too strange. Still, things were more complex than they seemed.Lily had met Cameron several times before. She could see the love he h
It was Mike Corden. A man wearing a white coat, a mask, and a hat stood beside Mike. Austin could not see his face, but he was holding a familiar-looking tray with a syringe and a bottle of drugs.The man bent over, took Austin’s arm, and jabbed it with the syringe.Austin felt as if a mosquito had bitten him. He wanted to struggle free but was unable to move. Without much energy, he felt limp and thought something was wrong with his body.“Argh… argh…” He struggled in vain to make a sound as if something was choking him.The man in the white coat straightened up after pulling out the needle. He had emptied whatever drug was inside the syringe into Austin’s body. The man nodded and left while Mike stood there, gazing at Austin quietly.Austin wanted to chide him and ask what they injected him with. He wished to know what they were doing because he felt like a 1000-pound rock was weighing him down.‘It looks like I’m not dead yet, but worse! Before this, I at least knew I was in t
Mike chuckled. “You’re not that dumb after all.” “You’re experimenting on human beings?” Austin's voice broke from the shock. He had guessed so but still found it hard to believe. ‘No one in their right mind would conduct experiments on living humans in the modern era. International organizations would condemn this inhumane crime against humanity.‘Nothing would ever be tried out on living humans in the name of medical discovery or innovation. Just who the f*ck are these people? I didn't even realize it after working with them for so long.’Mike didn't respond but instead stared at him coldly. His eyes behind the glasses were unfathomable, and one could not guess what he was thinking. “What are you looking at? Have I said anything wrong? If you guys are experimenting on human beings, then you’re animals! No, you’re worse than animals! You… you…”Austin wanted to continue his tirade but found that he could not. His throat felt like it was being rolled around in hot oil, and he
He seemed rather upset. “I could only describe what I observed. You know this is not my profession. I can’t possibly write a detailed report.” Mike appeared innocent as he opened his arms. “This kind of job is more suitable for Rhea.”“So you’re complaining that I asked you to do this instead of Rhea?” Looking up, the man asked unhappily. His voice, rough and unpleasant, was unsettling. Mike shook his head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m just saying that this is not my profession, and I know little about it. So I might make mistakes or not perform a detailed and objective observation. I… worry that I’d delay the progress of the experiment,” he replied in a seemingly objective manner. “Hmm…” The impatient man thought about it seriously. “Rhea is doing another more important experiment and cannot afford to make any mistakes. Also, we are short on staffing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t ask you to do it.”Mike remained quiet. “I know you’re against it, and you still have some softnes
‘The police had just investigated the research institute. Although they did not discover anything, we attracted their attention.‘Besides, we’re in Hyderland and Kingsland. What kind of tricks can we pull under their watchful eyes? It’s already not easy to secure this shabby basement in the equally shabby hospital. This is the only place where others wouldn’t discover us.’ “What’s so difficult about it? I think you’re just finding excuses!” The man roared without much concern. He only knew that staying in a place like this would smother and bore him to death. “If you can’t find a more suitable place for us to move to, then your son…” As he deliberated, a malicious grin formed on his lips. Mike was alarmed. “This has nothing to do with my son! Even if you kill him, I won’t be able to do things beyond me. I’m already trying my best to think of solutions. Furthermore, the experiment has reached its final stage.“This place is the most suitable, as we’re in a hospital. It wouldn't
Lily gazed at Alexander, seemingly sleeping on the bed. She knitted her brow tightly and observed his face while checking his pulse. She lifted her eyelids to look at him, and her expression grew somber.Only when she let go of Alexander’s wrist did Greg ask, “How is he?”“The virus might have mutated,” Lily said while looking at him.“What does it mean?” Greg raised his voice. He knew little about it except that it sounded scary.After some thought, Lily looked at Greg and said, “He can’t stay here. I have to bring him to another place.”Greg was stunned and shook his head repeatedly. “No, Alexander said he shouldn’t leave before he gets completely well, or he would spread the disease to others.”“It’s indeed contagious, but I’m afraid he’ll die if he stays here any longer. The virus has started to mutate. If we don’t contain it, I have no idea what it will become or whether it will mutate again. I don’t have enough resources, either. We can only save him by transferring him to
All personnel took safety measures during the transfer as they had limited knowledge about the virus. All they knew was that experts within the country were researching it, and a vaccine development project had been launched, although it had yet to succeed.Lily chose a small hospital in the suburb of Kingsland instead of a larger hospital in the city for two reasons. First, she worried that the virus would spread in a crowded area.Second, even though it was a small hospital, she could access all the necessary equipment and workforce through the Russell family’s influence. Therefore, it was okay if its location was a bit remote.They transferred Alexander discreetly and did not reveal it to outsiders. Even those who came to escort Alexander were chosen among his most loyal bodyguards to ensure everyone would keep it a secret.Alexander’s condition was somewhat stable during the journey, although he remained feverish and did not wake up. He also looked pale and emaciated. Lily was
Maria felt even more pleased when Rhea obliged her. “Look! I got the maids to make goat cheese salad, stuffed tomatoes, and roasted fish with wild mushrooms. You loved them the most when you were little.”Rhea’s expression changed when her mother mentioned her childhood.Maria noticed it and quickly said, “I wonder if they’re still your favorites. If you don’t want to eat them, tell me what you would like to eat, and I’ll get them to prepare it!”“There’s no need. Food is just there to make us full.” Rhea sat at the table, picked up the spoon and fork, and looked disinterested.Maria’s spirit dampened. She was slightly embarrassed and glanced at her husband.Fabian only frowned back. ‘Why did you bring up her childhood? You knew Rhea hated it the most!’When the couple returned from the Rollins’ house the other day, they talked all night as they had no idea that Rhea hated her childhood that much. They always thought she was only jealous of Anastasia back then, and it was not a b
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