โUncleโฆโ The moment Austin opened his mouth, Dominic handed over the herbal medicine. โDrink it!โDominic sounded rude, but the medicine was the most delicious thing on earth to Austin now. Without asking what it was, he gulped it down in one shot. He did not even care that it was hot and smacked his lips after finishing it. โItโs so sweet!โDominic stared at his nephew. โI doubled the amount of bitter melon! Very sweet? I think you must be suffering from a concussion!โDespite being scolded, Austin did not mind and laughed happily. โThank you for saving me, Uncle Dom.โโI told you Iโm not that free, got it? Your father will come to pick you up later. Donโt dilly-dally and try to stick around. Youโre no more than a pain in my a*s!โ After a pause, he added, โOh, yes, I donโt want the bed and blanket anymore since youโve used them. Tell your father to buy new ones for me!โโSure, Iโll buy the best ones for you, Uncle Dom!โ Austin said laughingly. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in hi
โTake off your shirt!โ Dominic said.Austin did so without asking why. Dominic examined him from top to bottom, then took two steps back to size him up. โTake off your pants, too!โAustin was stunned. โUncle Dom?โโStop dawdling! You want me to do it for you?โ Dominic said it threateningly.Austin was resigned, could only do as he was told. Although he still wore his underwear, wearing so little in front of the old man was embarrassing.Crouching down, Dominic looked at his calves, then flicked his finger at the back of his knee. He slowly got up, stepped back, and rubbed his beard as he narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be either looking at Austin or thinking about something.โGrandpaโฆโ A voice sounded.Austin knew his granduncle was trying to figure out what was wrong with him, but standing there without a shirt or pants was embarrassing.โI wonder if heโs done. He should at least let me put on my clothes, right?โโGrandpaโฆโ The soft voice sounded again. Since it was soft and
โItโs not fun over here. Grandpa will take you to have fun, okay?โ Carrying Galen, Dominic was about to leave.Still standing there in embarrassment, Austin was taken aback. โUncle Dom, what about the virus?โโWhat virus? I said you have no virus!โ Dominic impatiently left without looking back.Austin stood for a long time in a daze, then went into the ensuite bathroom. Standing before the large mirror, he looked at his nearly naked self.He was wearing nothing except a pair of short pants. As he only took off his shirt just now, it was the first time he could take a good look at his body.It had been days since he had done so. He would have been shocked to see how much weight he had lost if he had not been mentally prepared. His cheeks were deeply sunken, and one could tell from the dark circles under his bloodshot eyes that he had not slept well for days. His body, however, did not look like his at all!It was not skinny. On the contrary, his muscles were firm and clearly out
Letting go of Debbieโs wrist, Lily sighed in relief.She quietly left the room and went next door. Still awake, Alexander could now move around in the ward and looked no different from a healthy person.โDr. Russell. Doing your rounds, huh?โ He said it half-jokingly but cooperatively offered his hand.Lily gave him a sidelong glance. โYou look well. You should be able to leave tomorrow.โโI do? But I feel I canโt.โ Alexander raised his brow as she took his wrist pulse. No matter how often she did it, she was always serious.Her fingers lingered a bit longer on purpose. She let go, and her tense look visibly relaxed while her eyes sparkled with relief. โYouโve fully recovered, and your wrist pulse is steady. Since everything is normal, you should leave tomorrow, okay?โAlexander stepped forward, held her around her waist, and gently pulled her close.Lily hastily held him back by pushing his chest with one hand. โDonโtโฆโโBut I canโt bear to leave you. What should I do?โ He look
Lily came to the laboratory and saw Edmund standing in a daze. โDr. Morris?โโLily, look.โ Edmund glanced over his shoulder at her. He looked disturbed and pointed with his finger. Lily looked in his fingerโs direction and saw the mice lying supine in the observational cage.โHow did it happen?โ Shocked, Lily took two steps over and examined them one by one. Most of the mice were dying, and two were lying in lethargy. She opened each box and examined them. She knew none of the mice would survive.โI didnโt do anything.โ As Lily turned to look at Edmund, he raised his hands to show he was innocent. โI saw this when I reached here, and then you came.โLily gave him a deep look and did not say anything. Soon, Dr. Blanc rushed over. He was shocked to see what happened as the mice had been injected with the virus and fed Lilyโs concoctions.โIf herbal medicine is the cause, I wonder what would happen when the patients drink it?โโWhat happened?โ He asked with a frown.โI heard someth
โWhat theโฆโ The crowd reacted in shock and confusion.Although test subjects sometimes died, it was highly unusual that none would survive. Besides, they had been fine for the past few days, so everyone wondered how the mice could have died so suddenly.โIโm sure you all know these mice had been drinking the herbal medicine I made, so I have to take responsibility for their deaths,โ Lily said.Dashiell nearly burst out laughing. โSo you admit thereโs a problem with your so-called medicine, right?โโNo. On the contrary, thereโs nothing wrong with my medicine,โ Lily turned around as she spoke, very sure of it.Dashiell scoffed. โWe are witnessing a 100% death rate now! Yet you still claim your medicine is fine? Youโre not saying the problem lies with the mice, right?โLily only smiled at his remark. โThatโs right. Thereโs something wrong with these mice.โโWhat the hell?โ The others looked as if she had said something ridiculous.โSomeone did something to the mice, and thatโs why
As Lily was forthright and everyone else was staring, Dashiell felt humiliated, as his expression turned cold. โWhat the hell do you mean? Lily, you better clarify yourself!โโItโs rather clear. Donโt you get it?โ Lily looked at him. โI believe you know better than I do why the mice died.โโYouโre saying I poisoned your mice?โ Dashiell laughed coldly. โWhat a joke! Everyone knows we belong to different departments, and I hardly come over here, let alone sabotage your experiment. Besides, your place is locked. How am I supposed to get in?โโEvery laboratory in the research area has a lock, but we all have access,โ Lily retorted, โWhy couldnโt you?โโWe have access to every lab except yours,โ After saying so, Dashiell frowned and abruptly stopped.Lily smiled. โHow did you know? Have you tried it before?โโI-I heardโฆโ Dashiell looked a bit discomposed. โDonโt blame your incompetence on me! I have nothing to do with your mice dying! The problem lies with your herbal medicine!โโPle
The video showed the laboratory. Playing at double speed, the footage soon showed someone stealthily opening the door and going in, wearing a hazmat suit and a large hat. The person paused momentarily, as if glancing around, then probably relaxed and went to one of the observation cages.They took something from their pockets and held it over their heads.Lily showed the video to others, and they widened their eyes when they saw someone enter the laboratory. Dashiell stared at it as well with a tense look.He heaved a sigh of relief, however, when he saw the person wearing a hazmat suit and a mask, not revealing their face.When the video stopped as the person left the laboratory, Dashiell straightened up and snorted. โThatโs all youโve got?โWe canโt even see the personโs face! Even if the video is real, how could you say itโs me?โ Dashiell snorted. โTrying to frame me with such a ridiculous video? Dr. Russell, you suck as a doctor but are good at playing tricks, right?โDr. Bla
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