Eloise asked calmly after she had digested this piece of information."It's not difficult to find Nathaniel. He was in a difficult situation. It's inconvenient for you too. Otherwise, you could’ve found Nathaniel earlier. I didn't tell you because, at that moment, he was in a bad situation. You’re aware that many people were looking for him then. I didn't tell you to reduce the risk as much as possible for people to find him. You’re not angry, right?"She looked at her mother playfully, sticking out her tongue.Hearing her words, Eloise could not bear to blame her. She was relieved to see her son safe and sound. Moreover, what Arianna said made sense.At the time, Nathaniel's situation was troublesome and awkward, and there was nothing wrong with reducing unnecessary contact."I'm not angry, Ari. Are you?"A long time ago, Eloise had thought about her daughter’s reaction if one day she told Arianna that she had a half-brother.Eloise thought that she might reject and push him aw
Arianna was right. If Eloise did not retaliate, Joseph would soon kick her out of the family.Arianna and Nathaniel glanced at each other. Nathaniel sat down knowingly and said, "Mom, you’ve done so much for the Tanners over the years. You’ve worked hard and considered everything for them.“We spent so much time away from each other because of that man. You even quit your job and devoted yourself to the Tanners, but what did you get in return?”His words were like knives, stabbing at Eloise’s heart repeatedly. The more she thought about it, the angrier she felt it was unfair.For many years, Eloise dared not to reunite with her son and worked hard for the Tanners. She had done so much, but ultimately, Joseph abandoned her just because she did not give birth to a son. How dared he?"Mom, it is so unfair to you that dad did this," Arianna said softly."You're right, but you know how stubborn your father is about this, even if I’m reluctant to let it happen. What more can I do?" Eloise si
“But…”"Also, I’ll be the one who introduces Nate to the company. I’ll handle all this so that dad won’t discover your relationship with Nate."After a pause, Arianna continued, "Besides, we don’t want to make you feel more uncomfortable now that dad has given that outsider a position in the company. He’ll put all his attention on that guy and won't notice that the branch's company has a new manager."The plan sounded reasonable, but Eloise still felt worried. “Still, what will change even when Nate joins the company?”"You’re confused, Mom. I’ll have a helper when Nate joins the company. We’ll conspire and take over the company!" Arianna talked about her plan, "Recently, I plan to start a new project in the company and set up a new division. I’ve already submitted the proposal, and they’ll pass it soon. “Then Nate will be the manager of that branch company. Not only will we get a hold of the company's money, but we’ll also eliminate the outsider from it!" Arianna already had a compre
Immediately after the plane landed at Brown City’s airport, a car that Alexander had arranged was waiting outside. The couple got into the car and went straight to the Lodge family's residence.Lily slept on the plane, so she could not sleep in the car—instead, she was preoccupied with her thoughts while staring out of the car window in a daze.Alexander answered a phone call when the car was on the road, and his expression became even more solemn after hanging up."Has it something to do with the Lodge family?" They sat near each other, so it was hard not to notice the phone call. Lily knew her husband would investigate whenever he felt suspicious about something."Besides Justin, there is another person in the Lodge family..."Lily looked at Alexander silently."Henry Lodge."These words were like a spell that opened up some dusty memories. It had been a long time since Lily heard this name, ‘Henry, huh?’He was Lily’s and Justin’s uncle, the youngest son of the Lodge family.Years a
They must have thought so as they were aiming at her. However, it was too absurd.She was so angry that she laughed when Alexander gave her a look, “This is ridiculous! Why would I poison my grandfather? Moreover, I haven’t returned to the Lodge family for many years. The last time I returned was during his birthday, and I only stayed for two days! Grandpa passed away yesterday. They actually accused me of poisoning him. When and why would I poison him?”“All the clues indicate that this is a trap. You know that you’re innocent. Since this is a trap, there’s no need for a reason. Moreover, it is easy to find a reason if they want to pin the blame on you!”He was outraged when he learned about it, but the situation was still unclear. If she was framed, why did that person want to frame her? Who would benefit from this? In other words, who was the perpetrator?Justin could be excluded as he was the one who reminded her not to go back.Henry Lodge, who recently returned after being m
Lily looked around and asked, “What do you want to do?!”These people were obviously instructed to do this. They just surrounded them and did not make any subsequent move. Edward stood guard in front of the two of them. He seemed ready to attack at any time.“You’re not members of the Lodge family. What are you planning to do on the Lodge family’s ground?” Lily looked around and noted that they were not members of the Lodge family and reprimanded them.“Who said they’re not members of the Lodge family?” A man’s voice could be heard coming from within. A figure walked out of the house, and they automatically gave way for him. It was a familiar face with some added wrinkles.There was a noticeable knife scar on the left cheek. His hair was still black but sparse and seemed to be balding. Lily could still recognize he was Henry despite some differences in his look.“Uncle.” Lily addressed him.Henry laughed and said, “Good. You still remember me. At least the Lodge family did not ra
“No matter what you say, I want to pay my respects to Grandpa first!”There was no point arguing here. Lily wanted to pay her respect to her grandfather and, if possible, take a look at his body and find out what had happened.“You don’t have the right!” Henry stepped forward to block the doorway and refused to let her in. He waved his hand and instructed, “Take her down!”The people surrounding them rushed forward. It seemed like they planned to use force to capture her.“Wait a minute!” Alexander shouted and stepped forward to block Lily behind him. He stared at Henry and asked, “Aren’t you afraid to be seen as a joke if news of you fighting during Wilfred Lodge’s funeral is spread?”Henry squinted at him. He looked down at him and said disdainfully, “Who are you? You have no right to interfere with the affairs of the Lodge family!”“I’m Lily’s husband. Mr. Lodge would be my maternal grandfather. Therefore, I have the right to interfere in this matter!” Alexander said calmly, “
The crashing and cracking sound behind Henry made him grin. When he was about to turn around, he felt a gust of cold wind. The next second, a hand was already on his shoulder, "Uncle Henry, what a majestic scene!"Even though Henry was alert, he was still shocked. When he looked from the corner of his eyes, he saw all the men he had brought with him had fallen to the ground. How did she do it?!How could she do it in such a short time and at such a fast speed?!"You..." Henry was so shocked that his voice became hoarse. He gulped and said, "Do you dare to touch your elders?""If I treated you like an elder, then you are one. If you’re not an elder in my eyes, you’re worse than feces!” Lily said word by word, staring at him.Henry was indeed a member of the Lodge family and the youngest son Wilfred once loved. Due to these reasons, she still respected Henry, whom she had not seen for years, even if he wanted to take her down when they reunited.Still, how could she willingly admit
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