"I think I might know what they're up to!" Lily grabbed Alexander's sleeve and stood up.Maybe it was the sudden movement, the spike in her emotions, or her fatigue, but Lily felt her stomach tighten, followed by a throbbing pain."Hiss…" She gasped, holding her stomach with one hand, then bent down."What's wrong?!" Alexander hurriedly supported her in shock and looked at her nervously. "Does your stomach hurt?"She endured the pain, nodded, and grabbed his sleeve while holding her stomach before slowly sitting down again. The pain came and went, and it was not anything severe. It seemed like it was elicited by something, making the two babies inside her uncomfortable."I'll take you to the hospital!" Alexander was panicking. The typically calm and in control man panicked when he saw his wife in pain.Everything went smoothly when Lily gave birth to Galen. There were no hurdles during her pregnancy, and her birth was also effortless. Even so, Alexander felt terrible. He remember
The car sped to the hospital, and because the hospital had been informed beforehand, several examinations were completed very quickly. As far as the examinations were concerned, Lily felt that he had gone overboard.All other examinations were conducted, except for some medical checkups that pregnant women were not allowed to do. By the time they were done, the sky was already bright."Judging from the results, there is nothing serious. The body is a little tired from the lack of sleep," the doctor said, looking at the report. "Some reports still have yet to arrive, but there shouldn't be any problem."Hearing this, Alexander finally breathed a long sigh of relief. Lily couldn't help but laugh at the way he looked. "I told you it's nothing. Look at how nervous you were.""Thank God you're fine, but did you hear the doctor? You're not getting enough rest. Don't work too hard. Make sure you rest enough. Your body is your priority right now," he couldn't help but reprimand."I know!"
"Really?" Alexander was doubtful."Really!" She nodded affirmatively. Lest he not believe her, she raised her hand again. "Should I swear?"Seeing that he was just watching her silently, Lily continued, "I swear, if I don't take a good rest when I go home, I will-"Before she could finish, Alexander immediately interrupted her."Don't say it! He scolded fiercely. "Why do you keep swearing? Who taught you to do that?!""Are you going to believe me now? Can I go home?" Lily put her hand down with a smile.She knew that he was distressed and reluctant. Although she did not want to swear, he would not compromise if she didn't.What a joke! Wasn't being hospitalized almost like putting her in jail? She would be bored out of her mind if she stayed in the hospital with nowhere to go!These were not the most important parts. There were still a lot of things she had to do outside. She could try not to wear herself out, but she couldn't ignore it.How could Alexander not know?He knew
The last time they met was over a meal, and although none of them brought it up, they both knew what had happened. She thought they would no longer be friends after what had happened, and he would no longer search for her. Unexpectedly, here he was again."I was just testing the waters in front of you," Mike laughed at himself before sighing. "Although I know I can never get past you. I'm sorry about that.""Mr. Corden."Once Alexander had settled the hospital procedures, he came out and noticed that Mike was with Lily. Therefore, Alexander quickened his pace and rushed over.His tone was polite, but his face was stoic and unkind to the eyes at first glance."What are you doing here?" He asked it coldly, completely losing the enthusiasm and friendliness he had before.Of course, this was all within Mike's expectations. A bitterness flashed across his face as he frowned and said, "I know what I did was wrong, and I'm sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me, but... I'm here today
Mike immediately raised his hand to touch his neck, adjusting his collar while his flushed face eased slightly. However, Alexander's stare was still unkind. "What do you mean?""He's saying that someone has kidnapped Nick," Lily softly said as she stepped forward.Alexander turned and looked at her in disbelief. He did not know about this and was shocked. After all, Mike had never said anything before this. Later, Alexander became so occupied with everything that he never bothered asking about Mike's family. He was in a daze after hearing what Lily had said.At this moment, Mike's face was calm. A bitter smile flashed across his face, and he asked, "Can we talk elsewhere?" Then he looked around and continued, "It's not convenient to talk here."After all, they were in a public place.Before Alexander could speak, Lily squeezed his arm, looked at Mike, and said, "We can, but we decide where."Once bitten twice shy, so her guard was up. Mike naturally understood this. Ever since wh
Generally speaking, it was possible to find someone's whereabouts with their connections and resources. However, there were exceptions to everything. If this were the case, internationally offering a considerable reward would be the answer."I can't find him," Mike shook his head, repeating himself. Then he raised his head, and the despair in his eyes was unmistakable. "Otherwise, why would I be so easily manipulated by others?"After a moment of silence, Alexander still did not speak. Based on his understanding of Mike for the past years, Mike would never bow to the mercy of others. If they had so easily manipulated him, he would not have made it that big in the business world and would not have been Alexander's partner.Mike being in this state must mean he had used all possible methods and was helpless. That was why he was now under someone's control.Lily, on the side, chewed on her lower lip quietly. Seeing her hesitation, Alexander patted her hand lightly. "Just say what you
Initially, Mike thought he could end all of this and save Nick if he obeyed all the instructions. However, his hope lessened as days passed.The trio said nothing momentarily, resulting in stiff silence in the room. The atmosphere was so tense that it was almost depressing.Lily picked up the cup before her and sipped her tea. After a while, she broke the silence, “What’s the point of you telling us all that today? Do you want us to look for Nicky?”The couple would think of a way to save Nick even if Mike did not bring the matter up. After all, the kid was innocent. They could not stand by and do nothing when they knew Nick was in danger.‘Is that what Mike meant, though? Is that why he came to look for us today? He had never sought our help. Is he at his last straw and needs our help?’“That’s just part of it.” That was an unexpected answer. “It’s about something more important. It’s about… this organization.”Lily was rendered speechless. She turned to meet Alexander’s gaze be
“That was all Rhea. At the time, the organization still wanted to get you on the team and work for them, so they had no intention of killing you. Rhea got punished because of that too.” Mike told them the truth.Lily did not inquire further about the type of punishment Rhea received. After all, that was not important to her. Now that Rhea was dead, everything…Suddenly, a thought hit her, and she exclaimed, “Is Rhea really dead?”Mike did not know how to answer that question. After a moment of hesitation, he finally said something under Lily’s scrutinizing gaze. “She… should be dead.”“Should be?” Lily raised her brow, obviously not buying his words.Alexander was skeptical about it too. “What do you mean by ‘should be?’ Aren’t you here to tell us the truth about everything? Then why are you still hiding things from us?”He paused, then added after a while, “Perhaps, is… Rhea still alive?” They had suspected that Rhea was still alive and that the institute covered up the truth
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