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
Brandon had been there for a long time, but he still had not seen Alexander’s fiancee. He had tried so hard to enter Alexander’s house, but why had he not seen her yet? Were they not living together?Brandon continued to look around the house but failed to notice a single woman. At that moment, Alexander stood up and said, “Feel free to make yourself at home.”Brandon was confused as he noticed Alexander was walking toward the other side of the house and rolling up his sleeves. Brandon was not sure what Alexander wanted to do.“Where are you going? How am I supposed to make myself at home? Can I look around your rooms? C-Can I walk around?” He asked, testing the waters. He knew he might bump into Alexander’s fiancee if Alexander allowed him to roam. He did not even have to meet her in person, as a photo of them together would also suffice.“As long as you’re not afraid of setting off the alarm, then feel free to roam around,” Alexander said without turning back and continued on his
Alexander held a kitchen knife and lowered his head to ponder before slowly replying, “She only likes to eat my cooking.”Brandon remained quiet. He was forced to see him expressing his love for her.He nibbled on the cucumber he took from the refrigerator and leaned on the kitchen counter to watch Alexander cook. Alexander seemed used to kitchen work with his skillful cutting and washing.Brandon sighed deeply when he saw Alexander busy around in the kitchen. He had never expected to see Alexander cooking. ‘Is the power of love so great? He probably would never cook for any woman in his life.’“My interest in her is growing even more. What kind of woman is she that could make you love her so much.” Brandon tried to get more information from Alexander but was careful not to irk him.Alexander did not bother looking up. He put the prepared ingredients into the pot with a sizzle and said calmly, “People like you will never understand.” He flipped the spatula and seemed to enjoy cook
Brandon widened his eyes. ‘I’m the one who frightened, okay?!’Alexander finished preparing the meal in a short while. He made butter prawns, beef steak, stir-fried asparagus, and mushroom soup. There was also a pudding in the fridge, and Brandon was very jealous when he saw the scrumptious dinner.He was cheeky enough to stay until now, so of course, he would stay to eat. Otherwise, his trip here would be in vain. He took the initiative and helped bring the food to the dining table. He sat down and picked up the fork and spoon to start eating. However, Alexander slapped the back of his hand, “I’ve said before, this is not your share of dinner!”“I see that you’ve cooked a lot of food. I’m afraid the two of you won’t be able to finish it. It’s such a waste, and we mustn't waste food. I’ll help you!” After saying so, he picked up the fork and wanted to eat.“There’s no need!” Alexander stopped him with one hand and shooed him away like he was a fly.Brandon may not have other skill
Brandon thought he was very charming and did not expect Lily's facial expression to remain still. Lily looked back at Alexander and said thoughtfully, “I think… you’d better ask him to leave.”“Huh?” This was the first time Brandon suffered such a big setback. He was stunned, “No! Hey, beauty, I really don’t eat much. No, I don’t need to eat! You can’t be so ruthless, Alex. Consider our relationship, Alex…”“Are you leaving by yourself, or do you want Edward to send you?” Alexander raised his eyebrows and asked.“Don’t. Please don’t!” He had been bridal carried twice by Edward. If it happened again, he would be too ashamed even if no one had spread the news. He looked at them and thought of an idea, “My dear beautiful sister-in-law, I’m here to send you a wedding gift. Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to drive your guest out of the house like this?!”“Wedding gift?” Lily looked at Alexander suspiciously.Alexander coughed lightly and placed a prawn on her plate, “Yes, since we’v
“If you’re not satisfied with it, I’ll gift you the building in the eastern suburb!” Brandon said through gritted teeth.Lily gave it some thought. Although she did not know the significance of that building, nor did she need it, she took it as a bet and played along, nodding as she replied, “Sure!”Brandon breathed out a sigh of relief after hearing that. He adjusted his seat and asked carefully, “Then… can I have dinner here?”“Of course! We’re very welcoming to our guests, and it’s only right that we invite you to stay for dinner,” Lily assured him, smiling ever so kindly.That made Brandon speechless because he seemed to remember that a certain couple had threatened him a while ago. They would have kicked him out of the house if he had not rephrased himself.‘She isn’t an angel! She’s a devil and a bewitching one at that!’After ensuring he could stay, Brandon returned to his usual lively self, initiating conversations as they ate. “Oh right, we’ve been talking for so long, 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