Olivia did not feel like drinking the milk. However, she knew Lily would not continue if she did not calm down and drink the milk. Ultimately, Olivia took the glass and sipped it.Knowing how Olivia felt, Lily held her hand and looked into her eyes, saying, “Of course, it wasn’t my experiment, but I once took part in it. That’s why I know something.”“You once took part in it?” Olivia looked at Lily doubtfully with a frown, then suddenly remembered. “You’re talking about the research institute? B-But isn’t that place abandoned now? I heard its personnel disbanded, and the experiment had completely failed.”“It didn’t fail but has gone underground. These people haven’t given up, and their actions have a broad impact. I can’t tell you in detail, but I can tell you that there is such an experiment, and they have indeed come up with many strange drugs.“I’m unsure if Edward has been under one of the drugs’ influence, but his shift in personality likely has something to do with the orga
“I won’t divorce him even if he insists, and there’s nothing he can do about it!” Olivia said readily without hesitation.Lily knew it was an angry yet sincere outburst and chuckled despite herself. She said, “I’m not telling you to really divorce him. Still, you must agree if you fail to reason with him. Divorces take time, so it’s not easy.“It would be good if you could buy some time since I wish to find out if he’s truly under the influence of some drug.”“Lily, you must help me!” Olivia held Lily’s hand and agitatedly said, “I’ve never asked you for anything, but you must help Edward and me! I don’t think he’s that kind of person, and the drugs must’ve influenced him. You have to help him!”“Please rest assured that I will help him, but until I can find a solution, you must promise me to take good care of yourself. Don’t be too nervous when you deal with Edward. Just act as you used to.” Lily’s voice had a calming effect, and Olivia became less anxious.“All right!” Olivia n
Without waiting for Olivia to answer, Lily quickly added, “I don’t even remember what you said.”“Lily…”“Enough. If you take me as a friend, stop blaming yourself, okay? If I were you, I would be upset as well. What you did was normal, and I bet you felt sad when you said those things.” Lily could understand how she felt. She would surely side with her husband if she chose between Alexander and Edward.Olivia felt she needed to apologize since she and Lily were friends. Olivia would side with who was most important to her if she had to choose.“But…”Lily grabbed Olivia’s hand. Then Lily cleared her throat and said thoughtfully, “No buts, okay? Stop dwelling on it. I know you were in a tight spot. We’re not just partners but also good friends!”Lily smiled at Olivia and appeared casual before continuing, “Since we’re friends, we shouldn’t get hung up on this. I don’t, so you shouldn’t, too, okay?”Since she had put it that way, Olivia knew she would be too petty if she did not
The boy was still very young, and it was common for him to misunderstand her because he had not yet mastered good comprehension skills. More importantly, Lily wondered if she had neglected Galen’s feelings because she was pregnant.Feeling sorry, she held him tight and stroked his soft short hair. “I wasn’t mad at you for being naughty, okay? Everyone has a different personality. Some are quieter, and some are livelier, but these aren’t shortcomings. You’re all adorable to me!”Although the boy couldn't fully comprehend what she was saying, the warmth of his mother's embrace calmed him. He nodded as if he understood, then furrowed his brow and said, “I’m lively, and Nicky is quiet, but we’re good boys!”“That’s right!” Lily readily answered, but her smile froze. ‘Nick Corden…’“Mommy, I haven’t seen Nicky for a long time. Doesn’t he want to come here anymore?” Galen was close to Nick. When he was staying with Dominic, he did not mind not seeing the older boy, but now that he was at
A gentle and cozy breeze brushed past his face. He could faintly hear the chirping of birds and the gurgling of water when he caught the familiar scent of herbs. The light before him made his vision a bit blurry and hazy. In a trance, he seemed to have arrived at a meadow filled with blooming flowers and precious herbs. He looked through his medical book, one by one, selecting the herbs he needed and placing them in a basket. As he turned around, however, he stepped on thin air and fell endlessly into what seemed like a bottomless abyss.“Argh-” he screamed, but it was not loud, more like a whimper. He snapped awake, his eyes wide and drenched in sweat. Clenching his hands at his sides with his eyes widening, he was soaked through and gasping for fresh air as if he had just crawled up from a deep pond. Mingled with the scent of herbal medicine, the air filled his lungs. It was only then that he gradually regained his senses. “You’re awake, huh?” The familiar voice was calm.
Although his wrist pulse was weak, it reflected his true condition. Dominic knew Austin could slowly recuperate from his weak state by drawing out the toxin with the silver needle coupled with the herbal medicine. “Hmm…” Withdrawing his hand, he nodded. “Not bad indeed.”Then, Dominic gestured at Austin with his chin. “Take off your clothes.”Austin was reluctant. Although it was not the first time, Dominic was his granduncle. He was rather shy, and his fingers paused momentarily. Lowering his head, he then slowly unbuttoned his shirt. “Tsk!” Dominic clucked his tongue. ‘Why is this brat so bashful?!’Having unbuttoned the shirt, Austin revealed his chest. He had stayed indoors without leaving the house, so his skin had an unhealthy pallor. However, Dominic was glad to see that the outlines of his muscle groups had started to blur. His muscles, which used to be scary and almost make his skin burst, seemed to have become normal over time, and his skin had gotten looser. “Uncl
Austin sat quietly, then got up and left his room. The spacious house seemed unusually quiet, with no signs of anyone around. He noticed the open backyard door, crossed the hall, and went outside.When he arrived at the backyard, he caught the unique scent of various herbs. Dominic stood thoughtfully among the herbs with his hands behind his back.Austin did not interrupt his granduncle and remained quiet for a while. When he turned to leave, he heard Dominic’s voice, “Since you’ve regained some strength, why don’t you help me pick some herbs?”Austin was surprised but still walked over and picked up the basket Dominic had placed aside.“I’ve written whatever I need, but can you still recognize them?” Dominic pointed forward with his chin without looking at his grandnephew.Austin gazed down and saw a piece of paper inside the basket. Several names of uncommonly used herbs were on it, but he knew what they looked like. Austin smiled, swung the basket over his shoulder, and walked
Michelle hurried over and realized she had forgotten herself when she got near. She slowed down but soon came close and greeted Dominic courteously, “Hello, Uncle Dom.”Then she quickly took out a tissue to dry Austin’s sweat. “You’re not well yet. What are you doing out here in the breeze, all sweaty? What if your sickness worsens?!”“I’m all right. I’ve gotten much better!” Austin knew his mother was worried, so he smiled and took the tissue to wipe his sweat. His other hand was still holding the basket. “Uncle Dom, where should I put this?”“Take it inside. Someone will put it away.” Dominic said as he blandly looked into the distance.“Then you…”Dominic turned and walked away, saying, “I’d like to be left alone. Don’t mind me.”In other words, he wanted them to leave.“Then we’ll go to the foyer. We shouldn’t stay too long here since it’s cold.” Austin expressed concern, then took his mother’s hand and led her away.Michelle wanted to help him carry the basket, but he ref
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