Lily glanced at the bodyguards, wanting to identify the easiest target to take down first. However, the four bodyguards suddenly swayed left and right before she could move.“Be careful!” Mike subconsciously stood before her to block them off. Although he was nervous, he still protected her.Lily looked at him, then at the four falling bodyguards.Bang!They collapsed to the ground, looking senseless. Lily took a few steps back, but when she noticed they were lying dead on the ground, she continued to observe them for a while longer.“Are they dead?” Mike’s eyes widened as he asked carefully. His voice was low, sounding like he was afraid of being heard.Lily shook her head because she was unsure as well. However, her gut feeling told her they were not pretending, judging from their lack of aggressive aura. Plus, there was no reason for them to play dead. After some thought, she stepped forward, wanting to find out for herself.“You…” Mike pulled her sleeve subconsciously. When
It would not matter as much if that was Mike and Lily’s plan from the beginning, but they had no idea who drugged the four bodyguards. Although it helped them with their problem, they were unsure if the other party was a friend or a foe.“Stop wasting time!” Lily pushed him into the office.Mike successfully barged into the office. The door was not closed properly, so it opened as soon as he bumped into it, causing him to stagger a little.No one was around, and the “boss” was not there. It puzzled Mike even more. Everything looked like a trap set up before their arrival to lure them here.Mike was worried and peeked his head out of the office. “Do you think they’re baiting us?”“We’re already here. Is it different between taking it as bait or looking at it as an opportunity?” Lily asked in return. Her tone was not particularly friendly as she glared at Mike, thinking how this man had become so naggy.They were already knee-deep if it were a trap, so they might as well take this
There was nowhere else to hide things here. Even the documents were on the desk or somewhere visible.“Something’s weird about this,” Mike mumbled to himself.Upon hearing his voice, Lily turned subconsciously. “What is weird?”She followed his gaze and noticed the unusualness as well. She frowned because this entire office had a strange vibe to it.“Did we just walk into their trap?” Mike was starting to find things strange and looked at the safe again. “I suspect the things we want aren’t inside here either.”Lily retracted her hand and did not touch the safe anymore. Her gaze turned darker. “No, it’s the exact opposite. What we want is precisely inside here.”Mike was puzzled.‘If that were the case, what are they waiting for? Or is Lily unable to open the safe as well?’Lily straightened her back and yelled, “Come out!”At that moment, Mike felt like a fool. He had been looking around wearily but did not notice someone else’s presence. Although he guessed this was a trap s
“Edward?” Sure enough, Mike also recognized Edward.Edward had been working for Alexander for many years and was always next to Alexander wherever he went. Mike had many encounters with Edward in the past.However, Mike did not think in that direction. But with Lily’s question, he looked closer at the other man and realized he looked highly similar to Edward. Even the man’s build appeared to be the same.“Turns out it’s a friend of ours!” Mike smiled, breathing out a sigh of relief.After relaxing, Mike was no longer as wary as before. He shook his head and said, “Why are you here? Did you fight with those four men out there? Good job, man! But then, why are you here? Did Alex ask you to come?”He asked a series of questions but did not realize there was an invisible tension between the other two. Edward did not respond to Lily’s question from earlier. He neither denied nor admitted he was Edward. He just stood there in silence, his gaze deep.“Why don’t you remove your mask?” Li
“I knew you were not being controlled.” Sure enough, Lily was not concerned about what he was saying. She was just staring at Edward intensely.Only his eyes were visible, and he appeared to be exhausted. However, there was no malice in his gaze. His eyes were clear instead of blank, indicating he was not under control.‘If Edward isn’t under control, why would he say such terrible things to Liv? Why would he have a falling out with Alex? Most importantly, when did Edward get here?‘Was he here long ago, or did he just infiltrate the area? It could be something Alex arranged, or Edward could’ve come here of his own accord.’“Well…” Edward sighed heavily, appearing to be helpless. “Yeah.”“Wait a minute. What are you guys talking about? Why don’t I understand anything?” Mike interjected. He thought the two were using code to communicate and could not understand what they said. He felt like an outsider.Back then, Mike felt he had many secrets he could not tell others. But now, it
Mike was astonished upon hearing that and glanced in Edward’s direction. He waited for an answer.Edward said nothing, but his silence confirmed their thoughts.“You’re insane,” Lily said lightly. Her voice was calm and without emotion. She sounded like she was reading a fact.Mike agreed with her, adding, “If that’s your plan, then you’re crazy. Do you know how many people are here and how tight the security is? Also, many types of viruses exist here, including those well-developed and still developing. Are you aware of all that?”A moment later, he continued, “How will you bring this place down by sacrificing yourself? Tell us. Don’t you know this place isn’t a vaccination development center? That’s just a cover-up for what they’re doing?“Do you think you can leave here alive after destroying this place? Even if you sacrificed yourself and died, no one will know you for your good deeds. People will only remember you as a sinner!”“I know that.” Edward was also calm—even slight
Perhaps it hurt him, or Lily had pressed the right spot, but Edward’s expression changed as he loosened his grip on Mike.Mike saw a chance to escape and quickly broke free before moving aside. He thought he was not far enough to be safe and took a few more steps backward a second later. He escaped Edward’s grip, but Edward did not bother chasing after him.Instead, Edward tried breaking free from Lily’s grasp. Although Lily was much weaker than him, he could not break free from her even though she held his wrist with only two fingers. Sure enough, Edward dared not forcefully break free from her. Hence, he could only stand rooted.“I admit my faults and can only repay her in our next lives,” Edward’s voice was low. With his gaze lowered to the ground, he appeared lonely. Edward knew he would hurt Olivia the most, but he had no choice.He unknowingly got involved in these things and learned about all the horrible things the organization did. Due to that, he could no longer return to
Lily was puzzled.“We don’t have time to dwell on this now. I’m serious.” Edward sighed helplessly. “Please. I’m begging you two to leave. Now!”“Did you place bombs in this place?” Lily asked after some thought as he urged them to leave.Mike became wide-eyed. “Bombs?”Then he rummaged around, unsure if Edward had placed a bomb there.‘He would be crazy if he did!’“No,” Mike sighed. “We shouldn’t stay here any longer. I…”Before he could finish, a banging sound came from inside the bookshelf. Lily glanced over subconsciously while Edward became increasingly anxious. “Mrs. Russell, please listen to me this time!”“You listen to me. Bring us inside to meet him!” Lily said severely.After a momentary hesitation, Edward nodded. Although they knew he was unwilling, he always obeyed Lily.Lily noticed it and slowly loosened her grip on Edward. Upon regaining his freedom, Edward moved his wrist a little. Although it still hurt, his skin had no marks—not even a red mark from being
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