“However,” Lily paused, “I have a request.”“Name it.” The man did not even blink. He did not care what her request was.“I’ll produce your desired results in five days and leave here…” Lily said calmly, “safely!”“You can’t!” The man readily rejected it without thinking. “How will I know if what you give me is fake? How will I possibly know if you’ve succeeded? I’ll let you go once we complete the task.”Lily asked immediately, “Once you complete the task? What task?”The man’s reaction was quick. He immediately realized she was trying to get him to reveal their plan and fell silent. After a few seconds, the man chuckled. “I almost fell for it, Lily. Why? Are you trying to get me to reveal our plan?“Rest assured, you’ll discover what you want to know eventually, but now isn’t the time yet. Each person has their responsibilities. The same goes for me!” The man pointed to his chest. “So, stop thinking about what you shouldn’t and just do a good job. The organization will not mist
The man backed off in disgust and touched his mask before reaching out to push Mike’s face back. He said casually, “Think bigger. Don’t just think about your son all the time, okay?Seriously, Mike, you’re making me feel like it’s not worth spending so much time and effort engaging your help. You’re not worth it at all!” His scornful voice exasperated Mike.“Then let my son go!” Mike shouted. He could not help but yell after feeling pressured for such a long time.“I’ll certainly let go of your son, but it’s not the time yet. Besides, did I say anything has happened to him?” the man said indifferently, “Can killing your son accomplish anything great? Don’t think too highly of yourself.”He then turned to Lily. “Don’t try to refute me. I know you and the Russells are not only intelligent and wealthy but are also good at fighting. However, you’re nothing compared to our experiment. No matter how good a fighter you are, the virus will defeat you.“I also know you must have a way to c
The man narrowed his eyes. However, Mike threw Lily an astonished look over his shoulder.As the organization held his son hostage, he was always submissive whenever he tried to bargain with the man. He would also never dare to make such a demand. Even his outburst was limited to yelling.He and the man knew well that he dared not do anything beyond that. Still, Lily seemed like she did not care and feared nothing even though she was pregnant.“Aren’t you afraid that—” After being quiet for a few seconds, the man began to speak, but Lily cut him off decisively, “Nope!”“I’ll die sooner or later. Indeed, I want to protect my family, friends, husband, and son, but it shouldn’t be my responsibility alone. I also believe my husband can do it. Even if he and I failed despite our best efforts, I would have no regrets,” Lily said earnestly, “However, why should I believe you’re able to do that?”With a dismissive sneer, Lily continued mockingly, “If you truly have so much power, you woul
Rhea hesitated about whether or not to answer. ‘That has nothing to do with me.’“Liar! You’re all liars!” The man was agitated. “Even you care about someone. How could Lily not care about anything? No, I’m sure she would f*cking regret it!”Although the man often lost his temper and had mood swings, he never behaved like this. He was infuriated, and Rhea could sense his anger from his expression and voice and something deep within him.The man had always thought he was powerful. Despite his body, he relied on his intelligence and cunning ways to climb to his current position and had people in the palm of his hand.However, what Lily said exposed the reality that he was nothing without the person he worked for. It stung him deeply and forced him to face the truth.‘No, that’s not true! When I succeed, I will become the king of the world, and no one will dare to look down on me ever again!’He did not notice Rhea’s disturbed reaction as he breathed heavily with his hands on the de
Lily left the office and reached downstairs when Mike caught up to her. He hurried over while calling out, “Lily? Lily! Did you mean what you said?”Lily stopped and turned to look at him. “Which part?”“Well…” He hesitated, seemingly not knowing how to phrase himself.“That I don’t f*cking care?” Seeing his hesitant look, Lily said it out loud on his behalf.Mike let out an embarrassed smile.“Of course not,” she readily denied it and added, “How could there be anyone who doesn’t care about their beloved family or friends? However, I meant it when I said that as a parent, I can’t always protect my children despite my best efforts.”She looked saddened as she stared at the ceiling, but Mike disagreed, “You might think so, but I’m going to rescue Nick even if I have to sacrifice myself!”‘I still have to try even if I can’t. Even if I die!’“Then what?” Lily asked blandly.Her question bewildered him. “What do you mean?”“Will you be able to protect him forever if you sacrific
After some thought, Lily asked, “Don’t you think you might be wrong?”Mike was puzzled.“Why do you care where he kept it previously? It’s enough to know where it is now. Perhaps he had kept it with him or elsewhere, but he might’ve changed his mind now.”“You could be right, but that’s not his style.” Mike pondered and thought what she said made sense. Still, he was unsure. “So what are you suggesting?”“We stick to the plan,” Lily added, “Let’s follow what you said previously.”“Noon tomorrow then.”Lily nodded, then glanced upward and put her hand on his shoulder to stop him from talking. Before Mike could turn his head, he heard a mocking voice from behind, “I didn’t know how close you two were. I wonder if Mr. Russell knows about it?”Rhea’s voice was shrill, and it was clear what she was implying.Mike stiffened his face and turned to look at her. “I wonder if people outside are interested in knowing about you faking your death.”“Do you think I would worry about it afte
Lily turned and left without bothering to even look at Rhea.“Lily!” Rhea called out her name through clenched teeth.Lily’s reply drifted over, “Remember to come to work on time, my dear assistant!”Rhea’s face distorted in anger. She had never been humiliated like this before. However, she had to follow her boss’s orders and could only put up with Lily for now. After turning around, she saw Mike looking at her as if he was watching a show and grew angrier.“Mike, do you think you’ve found someone to help you?” she snorted.Mike shrugged to indicate he did not think so.Rhea curled her lips into a smile and suddenly let out a sly look before lowering her voice, “Do you know why you can never find out what the core of the experiment is all about?”“I don’t f*cking care,” Mike said blandly, “I only care about my son.”“Ha…” Not caring about his answer, Rhea continued, “That’s because you have no idea what’s the real secret of R10! However, I do.”“I don’t f*cking care!” he simp
The air was silent. Not even the sound of footsteps echoed. However, Lily knew she was not hallucinating.She always had a sharp hearing and her senses as a kickboxer. Even if she were pregnant, she would not have auditory hallucinations. She briefly considered this before getting up and approaching the door. Then she asked again, "Who is it?"Again, silence met her. After sticking her head to the door panel, she finally decided to open the door and look outside. The corridor was empty, and no one was around. She poked her head out to look and even walked outside to ensure no one was hiding in the corner. Ultimately, she turned around and walked back into the room.Before re-entering the room, she raised her head and subconsciously glanced at the surveillance camera not far above. The whole place was under surveillance. Even if someone tried to hide from Lily, they could not avoid the “boss."Although she was suspicious, she still went back into the room. Just as she was about to c
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