If Fabian refused to help him, Cameron doubted Maria would. Since Rhea returned after her staged death, Maria would do anything for her, even breaking the law. Therefore, there was no point in asking Maria for help. Furthermore, she was still furious with Cameron. “Dad, if you don’t wish to see her, I can ask her. I don’t mind if she tells me off.” Anastasia thought her father was concerned about this. “No, we shouldn’t waste time on her.” He smiled. “Anyway, thank you for being such a great help lately.”“Well, all I did was pass on messages. I didn’t do much.” Anastasia had been doing her best to help Cameron. She was happy even acting as a messenger. Now, the father and daughter could spend much more time together, and they cherished these moments more than ever. “Dad, do you think Rhea might have gone to look for the person responsible for the research?” Anastasia thought momentarily and said, “After all, she has always wanted to rejoin the organization.” “No.” Cameron
Lily expected Fabian to appear, but it was Rhea instead. Lily was shocked. However, she knew Rhea also did not expect to see her. Rhea chuckled meaningfully and said, “Fancy seeing you here.”Lily narrowed her eyes. “I didn’t expect you to come.”“Why? Can’t I be here?” Rhea walked over and sat on the bed. “You seem to be enjoying yourself here.”She looked Lily up and down, saying, “Oh, you unloaded the cargo, huh?”Upset by her choice of words, Lily said, “Why are you here?” “To achieve my dreams, of course! Don’t worry, I’m not the one who will experiment on you,” Rhea said indifferently.She dangled her legs and looked around. “They finished your checkup, huh? That means the final phase is about to begin. Should I congratulate you?”Rhea’s gloating tone dripped with sarcasm.Lily sneered, “You should. After all, I’ll make history by completing a legendary experiment. Too bad you don’t have a chance to do something so significant to humankind.”Rhea’s smile froze as she lo
Rhea took a moment before snorting. “That’s nonsense!”Lily’s words had struck a chord with her, but Rhea couldn’t show it. The latter remembered how her parents had neglected her during her childhood.Rhea had tried to attract her parents’ attention but could not shake the feeling that they cared about Anastasia more. To Rhea, kinship was nothing compared to power and money.“Cut the crap! There are no good parents in the world! All they care about is self-interest,” Rhea said coldly, “If you could exchange your children’s lives for a chance to live, wouldn’t you do it?”She believed everyone would.“Of course not!” Lily answered readily. “Would you? Would your parents?”She got to Rhea’s nerve, and the latter shouted, “What do you care?!”“Well, my decision is also none of your business, right?” Lily asked steadily with a faint smile.Rhea was stumped.“Fine, I won’t waste my time arguing with you. Unlike you, I still have many important experiments and wonderful things to c
That evening, Alexander arrived at the entrance of a rather discreet private club. After a strict security check, he proceeded to the innermost VIP room. Having arrived early, he made some preparations. When he was almost done, Cameron brought a foreigner over. The usually stern-faced man spoke smilingly as he courteously led the guest inside. Seeing them, Alexander quickly went over. “Ross, this is the Mr. Alexander Russell I told you about. He’s a prominent businessman in Kingsland. Oh, yes, he also has many properties and businesses in Yudonia,” Cameron introduced the two with a smile.Alexander said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Just call me Alex.” “Nice to meet you, Alex,” Ross said in a friendly manner and nodded. “I’ve heard much about you. You’re good at making money off my country, huh?”Cameron laughed while Alexander said, “Well, I do make a lot of money doing business in Yudonia, but you also benefit from the affordable goods I sell.“Besides, there
Ross smiled. “It’s hard to control the timing, so I can’t promise anything. After all, Fred is one of mine, and he’s assisted my mother for many years. I can’t just listen to your side of the story.”“Your Highness,” Alexander called out, trying to stress its severity. “You’re right to think so, but Fred’s experiment will not just harm my wife but also the queen. “There’s no guarantee the experiment will work, and it has high risks. We could have arrested Fred for conducting such experiments in Hyderland. Still, we’d like to discuss it first out of respect for your country, you, and Her Majesty.”“Yes,” Cameron nodded, “We don’t want to escalate the issue. Our two countries have been on peaceful terms. We don’t want our ties to be affected by it.”After a pause, he deepened his voice and said, “Moreover, we have concrete evidence regarding Fred’s experiments. If this gets out, every country in the world will condemn Yudonia. I’m sure you’re aware of the consequences, Your Highness
“I agree. However, since we’ve known each other for many years, I’m warning you as a friend. Only you can decide what to do since it’s your family’s affair. If you need help, Alexander and I will help. Still, we must stick to protocols for official matters.”Cameron gave an all-encompassing and flexible answer.Ross pursed his lips, then smiled. “Point taken. Nonetheless, let’s have fun tonight and not dwell on politics.”“Sure, no politics tonight!” Cameron nodded and raised his glass. “I’m delighted to see you after so many years. Here's to a pleasant visit in Hyderland!”“Thanks!” Ross looked at Alexander smilingly.The latter caught on and raised his glass. “To a pleasant visit! If you need anything, please tell me, and I’ll be at your service.”“I thank you in advance, then!” Ross smiled and downed his wine.From that moment, Cameron refrained from discussing Fred or the experiments. As if it was just a casual gathering, they only talked about recent amusing news, beautiful
“I know how you feel, but we can only trust Lily now.” Cameron sighed, “Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you something.”After a pause, he met Alexander’s puzzled gaze and said, “Rhea’s also at the embassy.”Alexander was only slightly surprised. “So she knows who’s behind the organization.”Nodding, Cameron asked, “What about your side? Did you find any evidence?”“Yes, but… I feel he has his reasons.” Alexander shook his head, feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he felt betrayed. On the other hand, he empathized with him to some extent.“That’s unlike you,” Cameron said, giving him a deep look.Alexander knew he was right. The former could be tough on others in the past, but not anymore. It wasn’t that he had become soft as he got older. Instead, his experience had changed how he thought about the matter.Having been worried about the twins and Lily lately, he knew how miserable it must be for the man. Alexander could guess why he did it.“Let me observe him for a while,” Alexander
After Fred gave the instruction, someone soon entered and took Rhea away. She looked at Lily tauntingly as she left.‘So childish!’ Fred scoffed. ‘Does she think she’s indispensable? Indeed, I need talents, but I’m not that desperate. Although R20 sounds interesting, that woman isn’t our only option.‘Also, we wanted to research mind control several times but failed. How would we know if she succeeded?’Fred looked at Lily sitting there meditatively. He wondered if she had accepted her fate or was planning something.Whatever it was, his men had searched her to ensure she would not have anything—not even the smallest tool—on her. He had also stopped giving her medicine to maintain her body's purity for the experiment's sake.After some thought, he got up and entered the elevator, pressing the button for B1.Reaching basement level one, he exited the elevator and took a winding path to the stairwell. He then went downstairs.Two floors down, he reached an ample space divided into
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