Seeing this, Lily had nothing to say and could only follow closely behind. …Fabian has been doing very well lately. The new tender event was just for show, and the project was handed directly over to him. Those who alienated or harassed him for debt repayments or terminated cooperation with him had changed their attitude and come to curry favor with him. However, he put on airs instead. Standing before the vast expanse of the premise, he talked nonstop on the phone. “Hey, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but I’m simply too busy. You know I’m engaged with a huge project and have no time!“Yeah, I don’t mean to look down on you… However, Mr. Will, you said differently when you asked me for money. Am I not trying to make money to pay you back? I know the economy is bad, and it’s not easy for everyone, isn’t it? Come on, that’s not what I meant…”Putting on a mocking tone on purpose, he enjoyed hearing Mr. Will beg him because the man had been arrogant. With one hand on
“No idea!” Rhea grew impatient. “Why do you care about him so much?”Her tone was unfriendly. Stumped, Maria paused for a moment. “I-I was just wondering.”‘I dealt with Austin several times, didn’t I? To beg him, I had to travel here and there, and he ended up being a fake miracle doctor. What about my gifts and medical fees? If he’s fake, I should get them all back, shouldn’t I?‘However, it’s too late now since he’s gone missing. From what I heard, he might even be dead now.’“I just think that if he were found, I could at least get him to refund me. The money was so ill-spent!” Worried that she would upset her daughter, she spoke in a murmur, then quickly added, “Anyway, perhaps one of his victims found out that he was a fake and kidnapped him out of spite.”Not paying attention, Rhea cocked her head with a frown as her mother tugged at her sleeve. “Hmm, it’s possible.”Maria was delighted by her patronizing remark and became convinced that her speculation was correct. “But y
Bragging on the phone, Fabian saw Cameron and hastily ended the call after saying a few more words.He jogged over. “Ron, you came at the right time! Everything is almost done, and the lab equipment is relatively complete. Soon we can-"Before he could finish, Cameron impatiently shoved him aside. Looking at Rhea, the man opened his mouth wordlessly, then shut it with a frown. “Ron…” Fabian was baffled, as Cameron always wanted him to give detailed reports on the progress and materials used. Although it was not his job, Cameron told him he could not afford to make any mistakes. That was why he took the initiative and ensured everything was ready. ‘But why doesn’t Ron seem to want to hear my report?’ “Dad, Mom, excuse us, please.” Rhea said with her head cocked to the side.The couple exchanged a look. Although they were puzzled, they had gotten used to it recently. They were unsure what kind of secret could make Rhea so close to Cameron, as she had never been on familiar term
“You have no jurisdiction over it despite being who you are?” Puzzled, Rhea frowned.Cameron explained, “Even though I hold a high post, I’m in charge of a different department.”“Tsk.” Rhea was somewhat disdainful. “I thought you have power, but I was wrong.”Cameron did not retort to Rhea’s mockery but looked ashamed instead. Meanwhile, Fabian and his wife were bewildered as they peered from afar.“I wonder what Ree has on him. I’ve never seen Ron looking so attentive. He was never like that, even in front of my sister. He’s acting like a…” Fabian paused and hesitated whether to say the word.On the other hand, Maria was outspoken, so she completed his sentence, “Like a lapdog!”Fabian was astounded. He shot his wife a look but did not scold her because he thought so too.“I feel the same way. I asked Ree what the secret is all about just now.”“What did she say?” Fabian asked eagerly, rather intrigued.“She said that hearing about it might cost me my life and asked me wheth
‘It looks like La Beauté Group is doomed. With this project, my company might even fly higher and replace them.’ With that happy thought in mind, Fabian decided not to chase after his brother-in-law.…His unseeing eyes stared emptily at the light on the ceiling. It was as if he was devoid of life and had died. Still, he was breathing and still alive.Instead of dying, he felt like he was splitting apart at random intervals, so painful that he would slam his head and body onto the closest wall. However, it was pointless. ‘This is worse than death! So much worse than death!’Austin never imagined ending up like this. He had grown up with others pampering him, while no one was ever rude to him except Dominic. Now Austin had gotten imprisoned as a guinea pig and could not even die.He felt numb as he heard the door open but did not even bat an eyelid. After all, it did not matter who the visitor was in a hellhole like this.“The drug hasn’t taken its effect today?” A man said, see
Austin’s eyeballs moved, finally showing a response. However, his eyes merely shifted to glance at Mike, then stared back at the ceiling. It was clear that Austin did not trust him.Having anticipated this, Mike smiled and sat down by the bed. “You don’t trust me, do you?”Austin did not bother to look at him. ‘Isn’t that obvious?’“You’re right not to trust me. After all, who could we trust in this world?” Mike said with a tinge of emotion as if talking to himself. Then he added, “You can choose not to believe me and think I’m lying to you again, but note that I will not repeat what I’m going to say, and it’s up to you whether or not to believe it.”Without waiting for Austin’s response, he continued, “You’ll be transferred to another place tomorrow. We’re ditching this place and will relocate our experiment to a newer, bigger, and safer place. For you, tomorrow will be the best time to escape.”Austin kept telling himself that Mike was a liar and that he should not trust him aga
“You don’t think I’m lying, do you?” Looking over his shoulder at him, Mike let out a half-smile.Pursing his lips, Austin did not reply.He was unsure if Mike was fooling him or trying to help, but anyone would cling to hope despite all odds. No one would want to give up, even though the chance to live was slim. ‘Everyone strives to live!’Even if the odds were one in 10,000, he would try it.Seeing him in silence, Mike let out a bland smile, then turned around and casually put his hands in his pockets, slightly lifting his head. “If, and only if, you’re lucky enough to get away, I’m sure you won't... spare them, right?”Austin was puzzled.Without waiting for his reply, Mike walked off.The door was shut, and a dead silence ensued. However, this time, Austin slowly sat on the bed like a corpse.It was a simple movement, but it seemed very difficult for him.However, invigorated by hope, he sat up, gazed down at the pill in his hand, and then moved his nose closer to it to
“We do.” Nodding affirmatively, Dr. Blanc continued, “It’s just that we haven’t started using VIP wards.”Lily was speechless.“How is the VIP ward different from the ordinary ones downstairs?” She asked again after some consideration.“You guys can go and check it out. If there’s anything you’re not happy with, we can discuss it.” Dr. Blanc smiled and said, "I have to do something. Please help me settle your husband down. We’ll discuss his condition in detail later.”Lily wanted to say something else, but he had already left. She went to the VIP ward and found it in much better condition than the ones downstairs.The rooms downstairs were small, each with a small partitioned area where the toilet bowl and shower area could be found. Sometimes, she could smell the stench through her mask and face shield when she went into one.The rooms upstairs were different and were like simple hotel rooms. They came with not only ensuite bathrooms but also sofas and TV sets. There were even s
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