“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
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
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
"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