“Aunt Maria, as I said, my father has returned safely,” Anastasia said meaningfully.Maria was at a loss for words. She knew she could no longer play dumb. She seemed to have decided something and turned to hold Anastasia’s hand, saying, “Tasia, I know Rhea tried to harm you and your father, but she’s your cousin. She wasn’t thinking straight and was sorry for what she did.“She didn’t mean to hurt you two, Tasia,” Maria spoke in tears, “Please forgive her. Besides, Alexander Russell has taken her away, and I don’t know if she’s still alive. I wanted your help to save her, but then Fabian got arrested.”Anastasia had never seen her aunt crying so hard before.Maria had always smiled and presented herself as a wealthy lady. However, her hair became disheveled, her eyes were red and swollen, and even her voice was shaky.“Aunt Maria…” Anastasia gently called out after sighing. “Rhea didn’t care that I was her cousin when she poisoned me, did she?” Maria was stumped. Her face flu
Anastasia knew her aunt had always been good to her. However, Anastasia realized it was no longer the case as Maria only treated her well to curry favors with Cameron.Rhea thought her mother treated Anastasia better, but Maria would only pretend to make a fuss over Anastasia whenever something terrible happened. Meanwhile, Maria would weep through the night if Rhea were to scrape her knee.Anastasia liked eating sweets when she was little. Despite her tendency to gain weight, Maria still bought them whenever she craved them. Simultaneously, although Rhea loved potato chips, Maria stopped her from eating them and instructed the cooks to make healthier snacks for her.Only after growing up did Anastasia realize indulgence without moderation was not good. Just like now, Rhea had done so many wrong things, yet Maria still tried to defend her and keep her secrets. Of course, Maria also wanted to make it up to her daughter, who, unfortunately, still felt neglected and unloved. As a re
After all, Anastasia treated her aunt and uncle as family. She never blamed them when Rhea poisoned her because they did not know about it. Moreover, Maria had spent much time searching for a cure for Anastasia over the years.Of course, Maria had an ulterior motive, but Anastasia knew it was part of human nature to be selfish. Although flawed, Maria and Fabian were still her family.However, Maria’s words had shattered Anastasia’s sentiments. Instead of admitting Rhea had done many horrible things, Maria blamed everything on Cameron and Anastasia.Anastasia was disappointed and had nothing more to say to her aunt. She got up and looked at Maria, saying, “I said what I needed to say. Take good care of yourself.”She motioned to leave, but Maria was stunned. The latter did not expect her niece to walk away without showing remorse or unease.“You can’t go!” Maria hurried over and grabbed Anastasia’s arm, “Tasia, only you can save them now. What about your uncle? He hasn’t broken any
Since Anastasia did not come alone, she could leave even if Maria refused to let her go. Nonetheless, Anastasia did not want things to end so poorly for her aunt.When Anastasia returned to the car, she turned back to look at the house. All her childhood memories flooded her mind as she recalled her time here.“Would you like to stay a little longer?” Cameron asked, sitting beside her.“No.” Anastasia shook her head, knowing she should not dwell on the past.“Let’s go,” Cameron instructed the driver.As the car moved away, Anastasia looked at the receding house and buried her head into her father’s shoulder, sobbing, “Why? Why did things have to turn out this way?”Cameron caressed her head and sighed. He could feel her pain. He only showed Fabian and Maria mercy for his daughter’s sake. If not, Maria would have ended up in a cold, damp holding cell like Fabian.“It’s just human nature,” he murmured.“I don’t believe it.” Anastasia looked up with teary eyes. “Uncle Fabian and A
“Okay,” Anastasia nodded and leaned into her father’s shoulder, asking, “So where’s Rhea now?”“Alex took her away since she might have some valuable information. Perhaps she can use this opportunity to redeem herself.” Cameron knew what Alexander and the others were doing and did not object.After all, Rhea had worked for the organization for a long time. Simultaneously, Cameron hoped she would mend her ways and make up for what she did. However, he knew the odds were low.“I never thought so many horrible things would happen around me.” Gazing ahead, Anastasia said sadly, “If I hadn’t gotten infected, I wouldn’t have realized how scary the virus is.”Her words reminded Cameron of what she had been through. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay now? Sit up and let me look at you.”Anastasia spread her arms, saying, “I’m okay, see? They wouldn’t have discharged me if I was still sick. Besides, they gave me a thorough examination at the hospital. Not only am I cured—I also feel better
In the past, Anastasia would get upset whenever her father left for work. Now, she nodded and said, “Go do your thing, Dad. I know they are important.”Cameron looked at her proudly when he noticed how sensible she had become. He said, “It’s okay. Let’s send you home first.”When they arrived, Cameron waited until his daughter entered the house and closed the door. However, as he was about to leave, Anastasia thought of something and turned back to run over, saying, “Dad!”Cameron saw her hesitating and asked warmly, “What is it?”“I haven’t heard from Lily for a long time. I know Alex said she had something important to do, but I can’t shake the feeling she might be in danger. Can you give them a hand, Dad?” Although Anastasia seldom asked anything from her dad, she was worried this time.Cameron looked at her profoundly and nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll think of ways to help them. Don’t forget, they’re no ordinary people. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”Anastasia felt relieved and happ
It was Austin’s first time meeting Cameron, so the former wondered how Cameron seemed to recognize him.Cameron noticed his puzzled expression and said, “Dr. Blanc told me you’re a rare talent. “Dr. Blanc said you’re a rare talent. Keep up the good work, and don’t let him down.”Austin was surprised Dr. Blanc would speak so highly about him to others, especially to someone like Cameron. Austin saluted solemnly, exclaiming, “Yes, sir!”Alexander’s lips twitched. “This way, Cameron.”Alexander let Cameron’s aide serve the tea when they sat in the spacious home office. After all, Cameron seldom drank or ate anything outside for safety reasons.That was why Alexander suspected something was off when Cameron got kidnapped back then. He wondered how Rhea drugged and took Cameron away even though he had been so cautious and carefully guarded.As it turned out, his suspicion was correct—it was part of Cameron’s plan, which was grander than Alexander had imagined. “So, is the mastermind
“We locked her up in the backyard,” Alexander said, “Would you like to see her?”He thought Cameron would not want to do that after what she had done to him.After some thought, Cameron stood up and said, “I guess I should.”Soon after, they arrived at the outhouse, and Alexander unlocked the door to enter first. Although he used the area to imprison Rhea, it was clean and did not stink. He looked inside and saw Rhea sitting against the wall in a daze.She seemed discouraged for the past few days as if she had nothing to live for. However, she was lively when she tried talking terms with Alexander. It was like she had a split personality.Alexander approached her and stopped Cameron from getting too close. “Rhea.”She blinked and smiled slightly. “Why? Did you change your mind? If you’re not here to discuss working with me, fuck off! I don’t want to see you.”“Well, there’s someone who’d like to see you.” Alexander stepped aside.Rhea was disinterested in knowing who the visito
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