As the car engine started, Alexander remembered something and held up his phone to make a call. Since he did not get an answer after the phone several times, he looked at the phone with a frown and lay back down on the seat.…Mike could not help but retch as he squatted. He had been vomiting for a while now. Although his stomach was empty, he still felt the urge to gag. It was not just because of the disgusting sight. The pungent smell was also unbearable.“He…” He suppressed his nausea, but as soon as he uttered a word, he scrambled off and gagged, throwing up stomach acid.“You’re such a loser!” Rhea glanced disdainfully at him, then looked toward the corpse on the floor.She had not expected this. She squatted and gently touched the corpse with her gloved hand while cocking her head to examine it.“You even…” Mike finally managed to stop vomiting. He looked over his shoulder, saw Rhea calmly touching the corpse, and resumed retching. This time, he could not even throw up stom
‘This woman’s a real nutjob!’Mike was astonished when he saw Rhea kicking the body fearlessly. The body moved slightly and became still again after the kick.“It was a reflexive action,” Rhea said as she impassively looked up at Mike, “To be precise, it was a natural reflex. It’s perfectly normal.”Mike stayed silent, thinking, ‘Well, you aren’t, are you?’“Why don’t you bury him since you’re not afraid?” Mike pulled himself together and said, “I’ll go and find out how to contact the organization.”“Can you even do that after this much time has passed? Do you think…” Rhea paused and suddenly approached Mike.The latter instinctively took two steps back and saw Rhea coming closer, staring at him thoughtfully. “Do you think it’s possible Alexander has discovered it but refrained from telling you? Is it possible he doesn’t trust you?”Mike retorted, “It’s understandable if he doesn’t trust me. You haven’t given me time to stay in touch with him. Instead, you told me to stay in the
‘If we don’t eliminate the organization, it’ll keep churning out all sorts of man-made viruses!’“Where are you now?” Alexander asked gravely.Mike sent him his location, saying, “Hurry up. If anyone discovers the body, there’s going to be trouble.”“I’ll come right away!” After hanging up his phone, Alexander quickly called another number. “Can you help me with something? You’re the only one I can count on now.”…Dominic finally regained consciousness at dawn. He opened his eyes and saw no one in the immaculately clean bedroom, devoid of the stains from the previous night. He coughed twice but received no response.After removing his blanket, he sat up and coughed loudly. Still, there was no reply, not even a single sound. It was as if he was the only person in the house.‘Where the hell is that idiot?’Wondering so, Dominic sat up and discovered he was feeling much better. Even his strength was restored. He raised his hand, studied his arm, and looked down at his chest. He w
Dominic was surprised that Galen was so well-behaved and took a second to respond. Then he burst out laughing. This time, tears formed in his eyes.“Uncle Dom, why are you out of bed?” Austin asked as he looked over his shoulder midway through his treatment. “Get some rest first. I’ll check your wrist pulse when I finish here.”“I’m fine! I’ll just observe, okay?” Dominic said kindly, shaking his head.Austin was surprised and nodded. Then he concentrated on his treatment.Although the servants had been ill for quite some time, their symptoms were not severe, and only the sickest ones occasionally threw up blood. Since they had proper provisions, the virus did not take a heavy toll on their lives.That morning, Austin told them he would perform acupuncture on them based on an ancient medical text. However, the servants had to wait for their turns patiently.They lined up as Austin told them, and Galen even came to lend a helping hand. Everything went smoothly, and the estate seem
Since Austin had been too busy, he made three simple burgers. His cooking skills had improved these past few days, and the burgers smelled delicious.Galen devoured his food, and Austin passed a burger to his granduncle, saying, “I’ve removed the virus from you completely, right? Your pulse has been good from yesterday till this morning. Could the virus be concealing itself again?”“I don’t think so.” Dominic shook his head and stretched his arms. “I feel energized all over my body now.”“That’s great! If so, we can draw out the virus using acupuncture. Still, I don’t know why the acupuncture needle could draw it out.” Austin was still puzzled whenever he recalled what happened the night before.Even though he removed the virus, he did not understand how it worked.Dominic shook his head and said, “It’s not about drawing it out. When the virus meets its rival, it’s unable to withstand it and simply dies.”“Rival?” Austin stopped eating his burger and cocked his head thoughtfully.
Alexander stopped sleeping after receiving Mike’s call. It was already dawn when his car reached the Moores’ house.“Stay here, sir. Leave it to us,” Edward said while looking over his shoulder. We’ll bring him to you in a flash.”After some thought, Alexander shook his head. “No, he won’t leave with you.”He knew how Cameron was, especially since the latter had his plans. Since that was the case, Edward and the others would not be able to make Cameron leave unless they had a good enough reason to persuade him.Besides, they had no time to lose and could not waste more time trying to change Cameron’s mind.Alexander found a mask inside the car and wore it before saying lowly, “Let’s go.”Edward followed closely behind and brought two other men. The quartet headed straight toward the garage.Since they already knew the way in, Edward and the others quickly reached their destination and carefully opened the garage door without alerting anyone.“It’s over there.” Edward found the
Edward soon returned to the car. Alexander sat and leaned into a chair instead of sitting straight as usual.“Collaborate with you? How?” Alexander asked calmly.“I have resources and expertise while you have money and workforce. Together, we can potentially outperform the organization." Rhea stood up, her eyes full of hope.Alexander chuckled. “Did you tell that to Mike too?”“Of course!” Rhea did not try to hide it and smiled disdainfully. “Still, he’s useless. You, on the other hand, are different. You’re wealthier, more powerful, and also smarter than him!”Her compliment failed to please Alexander as he asked, “Where’s Cameron?”“Somewhere safer, of course. The house isn’t some heavily fortified prison—anyone can easily break in. Keeping him here was just a temporary measure. Besides, I told that idiot, Mike, about this place.“It’s only a matter of time before you show up uninvited.” Rhea was smug, as if everything happened as she had expected.“You’re smart, all right,”
Alexander narrowed his eyes. “So you asked Mike to bury the body on purpose?”Rhea stared at him sideways for a moment before smiling. “Why else would I do that? Since he’s timid and cautious, he would worry about spreading the virus.“He knows how contagious the viruses in the lab were and how severe the consequences would be. Therefore, he’d naturally look for your help,” After a pause, Rhea continued, “However, I was curious whether you’d help him first or look for Cameron first.”She clapped and added, “Oh, I forgot you have helpers. You can always get help, considering how rich and powerful you are. Still, I’m surprised you personally came to rescue Cameron.”After a brief thought, Alexander asked, “So? Is that corpse contagious?”“No, no, no,” Rhea said, shaking her head, “I have no idea about that.”Alexander knitted his brows and looked at her in puzzlement.Rhea continued, “I only run the research. The outcomes, subsequent developments, and so on are often beyond my con
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