Initially, Brandon thought it would be easy to make an appointment with Alexander, but he did not expect to be rejected. He could not believe it! Rejected?"I know you're busy, so you could at least squeeze some time for me! Let's talk about it. From noon to evening, any time. I can accommodate whenever!" Brandon said very generously. "I don't have time," Alexander was not joking. He was flipping through his schedule and replying to Brandon at the same time."That's impossible! How about tomorrow at noon?" He did not believe that Alexander was fully packed the whole day."I have a meeting with Aurora that was booked half a month ago!"Brandon replied, "How about tomorrow night?""I have an appointment with Mr. Hendricks at Pavillion, so I’m not free either.”"The day after tomorrow?""Monthly inspection of my branch office.""Two days after tomorrow?" Brandon continued without giving up.After closing the schedule, Alexander persuaded him, "Just give up. My schedule is ful
Alexander was not making excuses, as he was genuinely busy. After all, it was the end of the year. There were the year-end financial statements, reports, and summaries from various branches, the human resources management, and others. Alexander had too many things to handle.Of course, this was not the only reason he was so busy. He could do these things slowly, but he wanted to finish as soon as possible so he could spend time with his wife. He always did work step-by-step in the past, and it did not matter, even if he needed to work until New Year’s Eve.However, things were different now. Now, Alexander had someone which he wanted to accompany. He wanted to give more of his time to her.Alexander was busy the whole afternoon. When he checked the time after the last meeting, he realized that he had worked overtime. Alexander yearned to go home. He walked to his office and even signed the various documents handed over by his assistant along the way.When he pushed the office door
Brandon was persistent, and Alexander could roughly guess his intention, so he did not say anything. He looked at Edward, “Drive!”Brandon realized what he meant when the car started, so he quickly closed the door. It was not easy to get some time with Alexander. Brandon could no longer care about anything else and decisively left his car at the underground parking lot.After all, this was a rare opportunity. Brandon needed to ponder carefully and arrange his words so his questions were not too abrupt. As he thought of how to form his sentences, he heard Alexander ask him instead, “Did Brittany put you up to this?”Brandon stared at Alexander in astonishment with a stiff face. ‘Dude, you can read my mind!’“I can’t read your mind. You have it written clearly on your face!” Alexander glanced at him and said calmly.‘Well, if Alex can’t read my mind, how come he knew what I was thinking?!’Alexander continued, “I know what you’re thinking because I know why you’re here today.” His
“You don’t know her,” Alexander said.Brandon almost cursed at him. ‘What the h*ck! Someone I don’t know?! It’s akin to him not answering.’But then again, if she was someone Brandon did not know, then she was likely not someone who was from a wealthy or famous family. He might not know all the eligible bachelors, but he knew all eligible ladies of their circle.Brandon was not bragging but could name all the ladies and mention their characteristics, who was beautiful, who was bad-tempered, or who had outstanding talent.Alexander said that Brandon did not know her. Did he mean that she was not one of these ladies? What background did she have then? Is she a peasant? No way! The Russells were an influential and wealthy family. How could they allow him to marry a peasant?“Even if I don’t know her, she must still have a name, right? Also, will your family allow you to marry a peasant? Don’t tell me you fell in love with Cinderella. Please wake up! The Cinderella story is a mere fai
Brandon had even forgotten about his sister’s interest in Alexander, and he only wanted to find out what Alexander’s fiancee looked like. Edward was speechless about Brandon’s behavior. Alexander did not even bother to acknowledge him. He knew this moment would come after he openly announced Lily’s identity at the Lodge family banquet. However, he was also relieved that their relationship was known now. It was just a matter of time before the public knew about this. When the car pulled into the entrance of Imperial Hills, Alexander instructed Edward, “Stop here for a while.” Brandon wanted to ask why they stopped there when he heard Alexander saying, “Get out.”“Huh?” Brandon looked around in confusion, wondering who he was speaking to.The next moment, Alexander stared straight at him and added firmly, “You, get out.” “Why?” Brandon was annoyed. It would be embarrassing if he were kicked out of the car like this. Besides, Brandon’s car was still parked at La Beaute Gro
Brandon could only stand there and watch as the car drove into Imperial Hills. The security of Imperial Hills was stringent and well-equipped. If one were not one of its residents or accompanied by a resident, one would not be able to enter its compounds. Moreover, the security guards did not know who Brandon was. Therefore, he was still not allowed to enter even after trying to talk sense into them. However, Brandon was not someone who would give up that easily, and his curiosity was fueled by Alexander’s behavior too. He wanted to see what kind of woman Alexander fell for, or else he would not be able to sleep at night. After making sure that no one was around, Brandon studied the fencing around the compound and noticed they were not very high. He found a secluded corner and checked to make sure he could climb over. He pretended to leave but circled back to the same spot and tried to climb over after checking that no one was looking. The moment his hands touched the railing
“How are you here? Did you…” Edward asked in surprise as he saw Brandon lying flat on the ground with his arms and legs wide open. His fingers were curled and lips still twitching, obviously unable to speak. Edward turned his head toward the garden wall and knew exactly what had happened. Aside from the built-in security system of Imperial Hills, Alexander also added his own security system to the villa. The garden wall may look like an easy climb, but it was specially modified to electrocute anyone who tried to enter by climbing the walls. Of course, the electrical circuit was not deadly, but it was enough to momentarily paralyze those trying to enter without permission.The person trying to break in was Brandon, so Alexander asked Edward to check when he had set off the security alarm. Alexander's voice could be heard through Edward’s Bluetooth earphones, “Edward, bring him in.” Alexander had already seen everything through the security camera’s footage. “Yes, sir!” Edward loo
In the face of Alexander’s indifference, Brandon did not give up. More importantly, Alexander’s house was warm and comfortable. Brandon’s body recovered from the shock, and he could finally move again, so he got up from the floor and went to sit on the sofa.Alexander glared at him, but Brandon did not care as his butt was glued firmly onto the sofa. “Come on, don’t give me that look. You’ve kicked me out of your car and electrocuted me, yet I’m not complaining. “All I wanted was to have a look at your fiancee. Why are you even trying so hard to hide her? Is it because she’s really ugly that you’re embarrassed to…” After noticing Alexander’s glare, Brandon did not dare continue. “Okay, okay. I’m just trying to help. Your secret was already made public, so there’s no point even trying to try hiding it. Besides, you didn’t plan on hiding right? Since you’ve already decided to get married, why don’t you introduce her to me first? It’s still better than my sister seeing her, right?” B
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