Lily held Galen carefully like he was the most precious thing in the world. She tightened her embrace and nudged her cheek against his to feel his warmth. Finally, she felt like she had indeed returned home.Lily choked up as she muttered, “I miss you so much.”She had been busy dealing with too many things, but all she thought about was her children.“I miss you too, Mommy!” Galen nudged against his mother and embraced her.Lily could hardly fight back her tears, asking, “Have you been a good boy?”"Yup!" Smiling with narrowed eyes, Galen said, "We all have."His words reminded Lily of the twins.Meanwhile, Dominic and Austin smiled, each bringing a twin over.Lily hurried over with Galen in her arms. “Let me look at them!”Although the twins were sound asleep, she could tell from their even breathing and rosy cheeks that they were in good shape. She lovingly caressed the twins' cheeks in turns."They have a good appetite and never throw tantrums," Austin praised, "They’re s
Alexander playfully glared at Galen, but the latter giggled and held his mother tighter.Olivia and Edward chuckled when they noticed it. Still, they thought it would have been an even more wonderful moment if not for the experiment.After spending some time with her children, Lily told the others to send them back to their rooms. She then sat down and looked at everyone, clearing her throat before saying, “Since I’m most familiar with the current situation, I’m the most likely candidate who can gain Queen Yasmin’s trust. Old man, you shouldn’t go because it’s pointless.“I’ve heard about the plan, but even if we show her that the experiment will fail, she’d ultimately wake up. She’ll then brush it off as a dream and a scheme of ours. We would’ve solved this issue long ago if we could change her mind so easily.”Although Dominic was quiet, everyone knew from his eyes that he agreed with her. Of course, he considered failing when he proposed the idea. Still, he did not think it th
Cameron, Anastasia, and his attendants entered. Lily was shocked to see them, exclaiming, “Secretary Rollins?!”When everyone got to their feet, she looked over her shoulder at Alexander. She thought he must have known about Cameron’s visit, and it was highly likely that Alexander had arranged it.As she expected, Alexander smiled meaningfully at his wife. He then approached Cameron to welcome him. “Thank you so much for coming.”“Well, it’s my duty. Anyway, let’s dispense with formalities.” Cameron gestured for everyone to sit down.”After getting someone to serve some tea, Alexander ensured the others left them alone.Although Olivia and Edward knew what was happening, the fewer people knew about the details of their discussion, the better.“It must’ve been tough for you guys.” Cameron held a teacup and glanced around before looking at Lily. “Especially for you.” "Tough luck, I guess," Lily shrugged, getting uneasy. If she had a choice, she would not have wanted any of this t
“Of course." Anastasia nodded and left.Alexander turned back to the others. "I think we should let Mike join us."Keeping things from him would rouse his suspicion. Besides, the matter at hand was related to Nick, and Mike had done a lot. They could not just exclude him.Cameron nodded slightly, not objecting.Soon after Anastasia went upstairs, Mike came down. He looked exhausted and unwell, with slumped shoulders. However, they knew he was doing okay, considering what he was going through."Secretary Rollins," Mike greeted the man seriously and nodded at Alexander before taking a seat."How are you holding up?" Alexander asked.Mike took a deep breath and nodded, brushing his hair with both hands. "I'm okay."Alexander looked at him intensely and then turned to Cameron. "What do you have to tell us?"Cameron sipped his tea and said, "The truth is that we knew Queen Yasmin had been secretly staying in our country, but we couldn't just deport her due to who she is. However, w
Cameron did not need to continue, as the others knew what he meant. If the public found out who was behind the pandemic or where it originated, it would condemn Yudonia’s reputation. Of course, the Yudonians would not admit it. Still, the pandemic had caused such a havoc that they could not dismiss the outcry.Condemnation alone would overwhelm them. Moreover, it would affect public opinion and shake the Yudonians' trust in Yasmin. It would lead to her losing the needed support to rule her country.Indeed, it was an excellent plan from Carmeron’s perspective.After some hesitation, Mike asked, “Will the government be willing to help?”The others wondered similarly. They knew exposing the matter would have significant benefits. However, they had many things to consider. If it were that easy, the Hyderland government would have done it long ago.Firstly, they needed evidence. After all, concrete proof was necessary in a lawsuit, let alone a considerable case like this. Secondly, t
Mike understood everything. After all, he only wanted to take a risk for his son’s sake.Alexander looked at him intensely and said, “I understand how you feel, but you won’t gain the upper hand even if you fight them. Who knows, they might do something drastic if you agitate them.” Alexander’s meaning was evident. Meanwhile, Mike clenched his fist and grunted, saying nothing more.“As for your plan,” Cameron said as he turned to Lily, “I don’t favor it either. I know you’re all highly skilled physicians and that you’re doing it for the country and the boy. However, I think simulating death is too risky, especially after talking to Dr. Blanc about it.”Cameron then looked at Dominic, adding, “Although I’m not a professional, I know we can’t risk it, even if there’s a one-in-a-thousand chance of failure. You know who she is, right? If she dies for real, you and Hyderland will face unimaginable consequences.“Even if Yasmin doesn’t die for real, others won’t know about it. What ca
Alexander wanted to say something, but Lily interrupted, "Say no more, okay? I've made up my mind. Besides, there is no better solution." They would have done it if there was any. The truth was that they had done their best. Lily continued, "I've told Queen Yasmin that I would be creating a new drug that can regenerate cells to prolong life. She believes it, at least for now. I'll just go back and continue the research. Then I'll get her to stop the R10 experiment."Austin said, "Even if she believes it, she’ll need to test the drug on someone. She might even use it on you if she’s suspicious of you.”Since Yasmin was suspicious by nature, Austin’s worries were reasonable.Before Lily could reply, someone suddenly said, "I'll go." Surprised, they looked toward Mike. He held up a hand, adamant as he said, “Let me go with you.”He looked over his shoulder at the hesitant Lily. Mike blandly said, “Since the experiment will need a test subject, I’ll volunteer.”"Mike, do you kno
"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
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