”Looks like I’m not too late.” Alexander knew Lily could protect herself but only felt relieved when he confirmed her safety with his own eyes. The previous kidnapping case at Westwood kept him on edge. However, there was nothing wrong with being cautious.“Is there a problem?” Lily heard his implicit meaning and blinked her eyes at him a few times.“Let’s change locations before we continue,” Alexander said. He pulled her towards a nearby big tree at the side. There was a black Mercedes-Benz parked there. The dark night and shade from the tree helped to conceal it and no one would notice it unless they paid attention.Lily got into the car and felt much warmer. She breathed in her hands to keep warm. In the next instant, both of her hands were held in his palms, and he warmed her hands with his. “It’s so late. Where have you been?” He asked in a reprimanding tone.“I went treasure hunting,” Lily recalled the treasure she found and could not help laughing. Heartfelt joy could b
“The invitation card was a fake.”“It’s fake?!” Lily was shocked. She did think something was wrong with the invitation this time or that the other party had other intentions. However, she had never expected the invitation card to be fake.“How can it be fake? I saw the Perfumers' Society seal on it, so it doesn’t seem fake. We can report it to the police if someone deliberately counterfeited it.”Alexander nodded. “This matter is not that simple. I’ve checked the seal, and it is genuine. So, it should be someone who misused the society seal. The question is, how could someone easily obtain the seal? Also, do you know who owns the place you’re living in?”“Who is the owner?” How would she know who owned the place?“Have you heard of the Richards of Kingsland?” Alexander was unsure how much Lily knew and explained to her slowly, “That place belongs to the Richards’ youngest son, Noah Richards.”“Noah?!” Lily had only felt that the name sounded familiar earlier. However, she had ju
As expected, Alexander shook his head. “He went through so much trouble just to trick you into coming here. It’s undoubtedly not for something as simple as challenging you.”It would make sense if Noah were the one who did it. With his status here and his position as the director of the Perfumers’ Society, it would be a piece of cake for him to get the seal. It was just that the Perfumers’ Society itself disapproved of his so-called invitation, and Noah did it for his selfish reasons. No one could not blame the others for not realizing it at the time.“Then let’s see what he’s up to.” Lily shrugged. She had no traces of fear on her face.“Aren’t you scared?” Alexander stared into her eyes. She was beautiful in a different way under the night sky, which made him reluctant to let go of her.“Why would I be?” Lily replied in disapproval before she laughed, “As you said, he went through so much trouble just to deceive me into coming here, and it won’t be as simple as just to challenge
Lily knew that she would only become greedier for the warmth of his embrace the longer she stayed there. Hence, she turned her head and left without looking back. “I’m going now!”As soon as her hand touched the door, she was dragged back to his side. “How are you planning to go back in there? You’re jumping over the wall again?”Although that was not a problem for her, Alexander was still worried about her jumping over the wall. That was a 5-meter tall wall, after all!“Nope.” Lily smiled. “Someone will open the door for me.”“What?”Leaning over, she kissed him on the corner of his lips and got out of the car quickly.Alexander was rendered speechless. ‘This young lady sure moves quickly. I didn’t even have the time to react, and now I can only watch her walk toward the door.’There was a lamp at the door lighting up the area brightly, but they could also see that the door was locked.Lily walked over to the door and gestured as though she were about to knock, but she stopped
With a beep, the door opened. The man now knew that this lady, who appeared to be gentle, was not easy to deal with. Politely, he said, “Ms. Christian, this way.”When Lily entered, she made an “OK” sign with her thumb and index finger behind her back. She knew that Alexander could see her.Seeing that the door was closing again, Alexander shook his head, realizing that he had been smiling the entire time. It was great that she was strong enough to protect herself, but even if she could not do that, he would always protect her.…Lily was right that Noah would show up the next day. He came early, and the doorbell sounded while she was still having breakfast. Not looking up, she continued to eat in an unhurried manner. When Noah entered the door, he saw that she was holding a piece of toast in her hand.“You’re early and even more diligent than I’ve expected,” Noah praised, clapping his hands. However, Lily looked at him like he was an idiot. ‘Diligent? Having breakfast is consid
“What if I’m not interested?”Noah was taken by surprise. “Are you sure?”He could understand if Lily wanted to venture overseas. Still, she rejected Wesley’s invitation and insisted on developing her career domestically.Since she had chosen to stay in Sapphine, the Perfumers’ Society would be the most authoritative body in the industry within the country. This bait should be taken without any hesitation by anyone, making Noah wonder, ‘Why is she uninterested? Is she playing hard to get?’“Mr. Richards, that’s why you went through so much trouble to trick me into coming here? You must’ve spent a lot. All of this could’ve been settled with just a phone call.”At this point, she did not want to beat around the bush anymore. Being direct about the topic could save her a lot of energy.“Trick?” Noah shook his head, chuckling. “I invited you here sincerely. How could you say that I tricked you? Also, aren’t you enjoying your stay here? If you could be a part of the Perfumers’ Society
“For this wall, add…” Noah pointed to the wall, wanting to add an electric fence. However, he felt that it was too much, not to mention that it could not be installed instantly.Discouraged, he said, “Forget it!” When his gaze landed on the tree, he pondered for a moment. “Get someone to cut this tree down as soon as possible!”“Mr. Carter?” This tree had been planted in the yard for many years and finally grew into a tall and lush tree. His subordinate did not understand why Noah wanted the tree cut down.“Just cut it down! I don’t like looking at it!” Noah barked.He was aware that the members of the Lodge family could fight, but he believed there were limits to their abilities. They could not possibly fly in the sky, could they? The only possibility he could think of was that Lily made use of the tree to jump over the wall last night.In fact, Noah was thinking in the right direction, but he did not know that Alexander had arrived at Kingsland and was near him. With Alexander
Over the past few days, Arianna did not have the time to watch Lily’s every move because there was a bigger problem at home.No matter how unwilling or repelled she felt, Joseph brought his illegitimate son home and acknowledged him as part of the Tanner family. She was a step too slow.After only glancing at him, Arianna went to look for her uncle, Derrick. She understood that her mother could not stop this from happening anymore. If there were anyone who could stop her lunatic father, it would be Derrick.“Uncle Derrick, I heard you haven’t been feeling well recently. I got someone to bring these nutritious supplements back from overseas for you, and I hope you’ll be in better health after taking them.” Smiling, she pointed at the things she brought while appearing obedient.Derrick nodded and coughed a few times before he spoke. “You’re a thoughtful one. Why didn’t your parents come with you?”“My mom has been busy with the Women’s Federation, but she always worries about you a
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