โDoes...โโThe medicine only helps balance your bodily functions and replenish your energy and vitality. It doesnโt counteract the virus, so donโt expect too much!โ Feeding him the medicine, Dominic said, โIโm no god, and I canโt yet figure out whatโs going on within you. I wonโt be able to come up with a cure so soon, okay?โAustin remained quiet and drank the medicine. He knew Dominic could not have come up with a cure so quickly, if he could at all. He did not want to put too much faith in him for fear of being disappointed.However, he was glad Dominic was being friendly to him.After feeding Austin, Dominic looked at him while holding the empty bowl, and sighed. "We don't know what's inside you yet, but you know how bad the pandemic has gotten. For your safety, stay here for the time being. Of course, you canโt move even if you want to. Let me... think of something.โHe sounded angry when he said the last sentence.โThankโฆโ Before Austin could say โyou,โ he saw Dominic stalk
When asked so, Lily only said blandly, โWeโll know in a while.โโEven if heโs truly the one, will he still do anything now despite the risk?โThe man removed his goggles and revealed half of his faceโhe was none other than Dr. Blanc, who ordered her containment.Lily nodded affirmatively. โHe will!โShe then asked a seemingly unrelated question. โI heard the vaccine development center has started its research recently?โโThatโs right.โ Dr. Blanc answered. Although he was not in charge of the vaccine's development and it was outside of his purview, he was aware of it because it was significant and related to what they were doing.โWhat does it have to do with whether he will act, though? Even if the development of the cure is stalled, would it impede vaccine research? Or are there conspirators over there as well?โ Pausing, Dr. Blanc seemed to think about something and said, โOh, yes, I remember your husbandโs company initially securing that project before itโฆ reopened for tender,
โHeโs doing something!โ He turned and walked out of the door with Lily in tow. The workers were surprised to see Lily walking behind Dr. Blanc along the way. โIsnโt Dr. RussellโฆโHowever, as they were walking fast without stopping and Dr. Blanc looked grim, no one dared to ask any questions and simply looked on as they headed toward the wards.โIs thereโฆ an emergency again? But weโre not getting any alerts from the wards!โWhile the doctors and nurses wondered, Dr. Blanc and Lily had arrived at the VIP ward area. They hurried past the door to Debbieโs room and headed straight toโฆ Alexanderโs room.Dr. Blanc slammed the door open with such force and speed that even Lily was taken aback.โHe usually looks gentle and cautious, yet the way he kicked the door was bold and fearless.โAlexander, who should be lying in it, was holding someone face-down on the bed with his arms locked behind him.He was wearing the hospital gown, but he was invigorated, and his gaze was cold and piercing
โDr. Blanc, I donโt get it.โ Edmund still tried to defend himself, but Lily interrupted him before he could finish. โIs this necessary?โEdmund was quiet.โDo you think you can lie your way out of this? Or do you think we would show up and expose you without proof?โ Lily felt a mix of emotions as she looked at Edmund.She had known Dr. Blanc and Edmund the longest and was most familiar with them. Although she and Edmund were far from good friends, they at least worked well together. At first, she could feel he did not trust her, but she later discovered him to be a relatively objective person.She could accept Edmund holding a prejudice against her just like Austin did, but it was difficult for her to believe he was a traitor.Edmund suddenly laughed when hearing Lilyโs words and seeing Dr. Blancโs expression. He tilted his head back and let out a long sigh. As if he was relieved of a heavy burden, he looked relaxed, and the smile on his face grewโฆ creepy.โI never expected this.
However, black blood flowed from Edmundโs mouth as he released an eerie smile of mixed emotions. His body went limp and would have slumped onto the floor if Alexander had not held onto his arms.โEdmund!โ Lily was shocked. She did not expect him to attempt to kill himself without hesitation. โWhy?!โHe raised a finger and looked up at Lily. He said haltingly, โI would have succeeded if I took one more step!โ Lily looked back at him and asked grimly, โYour goal is not just to destroy all possible cures but to make people lose hope and think the disease is incurable, right?โEdmund threw her an odd look and moved his lips as if to say something, but the poison took effect quickly. Before he could say anything, his body stiffened, and his head drooped aside.โHeโs dead.โ Checking his breath, Alexander checked Edmundโs breath before looking up and delivering two words.The other two were stunned. Lily gazed deeply at Edmund, then looked to Dr. Blanc. โHeโฆโโIโll take care of it. Al
โEven if there is, Iโm not afraid.โ Alexanderโs voice was tender like his lips, which he gently pressed against her neck.At this moment, Lily seemed to have relaxed as well. Having been tense for so many days, she was exhausted and had only held on through sheer willpower. Now that she relaxed, she felt limp all over.Alexander turned his wife around to face him before looking into her eyes. โWith a miracle doctor like you around, no matter how many times I get infected, I wonโtโโโKnock it off!โ Lily interrupted him with a frown. โDonโt jinx it, okay?โโWhen did you become so superstitious?โ Alexander chuckled and pulled her over to sit beside him. Then he started to gently and meticulously massage her thighs. With her legs placed over his lap and his hands held loosely into fists, he gently massaged her discomfort.Lily struggled in vain to put her legs down and could only let him carry on. Since she was pregnant and had been swamped, her legs were sore and swollen. His massagi
"It's very simple. Dashiell is right. Only Dr. Blanc and Edmund can enter my laboratory easily. In the previous surveillance video, Edmund deliberately pretended to be Dashiell."There were surveillance cameras all over the laboratory. This was a known fact. The surveillance cameras allowed all work carried out in the laboratory to be accurately recorded, including the progress and changes of the experiment.Dashiell would not have made such a rookie error, leaving a vague but recognizable silhouette on the surveillance video. This was intentional. Someone was setting him up."What an unprofessional move," Alexander sighed lightly. Although he was not used to such things, he acknowledged that the culprit could have done better."Sometimes, the simpler it is, the more effective it may be. After all, Edmund and I got into a fight two days ago, and everyone knew about it. Therefore, Edmund tried to seek revenge. It's easier for people to believe him anyway. Besidesโฆ" Lily turned her h
Standing at the main door of the living room, Dominic looked up at the sky, watching the sunset. However, the peaceful moment was ruined by the sound of hurried footsteps.Although Elijah was in a hurry, he still had to support his father with one hand. He had a very anxious look on his face. Michelle was also rushing over while wearing high heels.She greeted Dominic and hurried in without even raising her head."Stop!" Dominic called out in a deep voice. Michelle had no choice but to stop abruptly with a look of embarrassment on her face. "Uncle Dom, Iโm anxious to see Austin. I apologize for my lack of manners!" "You can't see him now!" After a pause, Dominic looked at the father and son in front of him. "You two can't go in either.""Why not?!" Elijah couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Dom, you called us to pick him up. Why can't we see him now?""Thereโs a change in the situation," Dominic said slowly. "Wait a minute."As he spoke, he clapped his hands. Then a servant came over
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