“You dare claim you didn’t make the candles?” Henry questioned confidently, knowing he had sufficient evidence. “This lab testing report has exposed you. It says here that a poisonous substance was inside the candles. How can you still try to lie your way out of it?”“What a joke,” Lily laughed coldly, “Just because the candle contained a poisonous substance, it means I was the one who did it? Not to mention whether there was what you claimed as poison in the candle. Why do you insist that I poisoned it even if it does?”Henry looked like he had expected Lily to say this. He continued, “I knew you wouldn’t admit it. Don’t worry. I have enough proof to show that you were the one who made the candles. You’ve also admitted that you gave the candles to Justin personally. Does that mean you’re accusing Justin if it wasn't you?”“Also!” Henry turned and signaled his subordinate to bring a box over. He took it and showed it to everyone in the room, “This box contains the unused candles in
Henry did not know what Lily was up to, making him anxious. “What tricks are you trying to play in front of your elders, little girl?”“What’s the rush, Uncle Henry? What are you afraid of?” Lily shot him a faint smile, which sent chills up his spine. Suddenly, a screen projected onto the white wall in the hall. The others were surprised that Lily had already prepared the projector. As for the screen, it was playing a video. Others might need some time to identify the characters in the video, but Henry could almost instantly tell it was the scene of him making a deal with Nathaniel.The person who took the video was a distance away, but the video was still quite evident. Everyone could see that Nathaniel had passed something to Henry and that Henry patted Nathaniel on his shoulder after receiving the item in his hands. The elders could see the scene clearly.Beads of cold sweat had already dotted Henry’s forehead. He had never expected Lily to know about his meet-up with Nathaniel
“Yes!” Henry blurted but soon found it strange and rephrased his words, “No, that’s not what I meant. You were the one who created the poisonous candles, so how would anyone have that? He just told me things such as you were disrespectful to Grandpa…”“You said he gave you evidence earlier, didn’t you?” Lily interjected and pressured him. “Why are you saying a different thing now?”Henry was dumbfounded.“Well then!” Lily took a deep breath and thundered, “The chaos ends now!”She raised her head, eyes closed, looking like she was meditating. Then she turned to face Henry. “Since you insist on saying I was the one who poisoned Grandpa, I’ll first prove to you that there’s no possible way I could’ve done it!”“How are you going to do that?” Henry asked subconsciously.Lily smiled at him and took a few steps closer. “Uncle Henry, does the perfume I use today smell nice?”With the question that came out of nowhere, Henry subconsciously sniffed but realized something was amiss upon
“I didn’t do anything! Since you’re so riled up, I was wondering if you feel dizzy or… nauseous. Do you, though?” Lily asked with a calm expression.The onlookers who knew nothing about the situation may even think she was asking those questions out of concern for Henry.Henry felt fine before Lily mentioned those symptoms, but once she said it, he felt a pain in his head and nausea. It was a feeling he could not describe. He tried hard to keep his head clear, but the dizziness that struck him suddenly was not something he could suppress.In shock, he quickly released her hand. “You! What in the world have you done to me?!”Everyone noticed the changes in Henry’s expression. Although they had no idea about what Lily had done, it scared them enough that they all moved back in panic, fearing that they would be affected as well.That was especially so for Jonathan. He was within the closest proximity to Lily, but he had no idea what was going on at all. When he saw Henry staggering,
Jonathan was unwilling to take responsibility, so he guided Lily toward bringing Justin down in his absense. Since this was brought up, they stated that Lily and Justin were the only ones that touched Why was Justin not there yet?With a frown, Lily sneered, “Granduncle Jonathan, who’s the accomplice you’re talking about? Could it be that you have someone in mind already?”“You…”“Sorry for being late.” A familiar voice sounded. Lily’s expression finally relaxed as she looked over and saw Justin walking into the hall. He was accompanied by both his personal assistant and a director of the company. Lily knew who they were.Jonathan frowned upon seeing the two people walking side by side with Justin. “Justin, we’re gathered today to discuss our family’s matters. Why are you late, and why did you bring outsiders with you? What’s wrong with you?”“Outsiders?” Justin laughed, glancing at both sides before averting his eyes back to Jonathan, then to Henry. “Humans are the most unpre
“Justin!” Henry roared. “It doesn’t mean you can disrespect your elders this way just because you’ve held on to the family seal for two years! We’re still uncertain about who the head of the family is before we know the truth behind your grandpa’s death!”Justin nodded. “Yeah, you’re right! We should know the truth about Grandpa’s death, so…”He nodded to his assistant, who picked up the phone, hunched over, and began talking. Vaguely, they could hear him say, “Okay. Got it.”Then he reported to Justin. “They’re about three minutes away.”“What are you doing?” Henry stared at him. “It doesn’t matter who you bring here today! We’re discussing an internal matter of the family today, so it should be settled within the family. We have the forensic report now, but if you are still going to deny it…”“You’re wrong!” Justin interrupted loudly. He had his hands placed behind his back, looking fair and just. “This isn’t just an internal matter of the Lodge family! Since we’re unclear abo
The development was obviously beyond Nathaniel and Arianna's expectations. Once the secrets of the rich and powerful families were out, the impact on their reputation was immeasurable.Regardless, this matter would be covered up and hidden so that it would never be known to outsiders. However, it had already spread throughout Sapphine and Brown City. At this point, the entire country was aware of this.The media were the most adept at excavating and expanding their imagination on such things. Not only was the Lodge family under a lot of chaos right now, but they were also busy giving their statements at the police station while they waited for Wilfred's cause of death from the forensics team.The Lodge family was in a mess, and their company was in turmoil when the news broke out. Reporters had already interviewed several high-level executives but had yet to learn what was happening.Everyone in the Lodge family was panic-stricken as the outside world continued to have their opinio
It had not been easy for Damian, growing up as an illegitimate child for so many years. His mother taught him to enter the Tanner family and inherit their properties. Although he had gathered much theoretical knowledge in business, he never had the chance to practice it. Now that he was in charge of a new project, he was eager to make achievements.Of course, Arianna read him like a book and did not object. "I think you're right, but Mr. Hall also has his points. He has experience in this field. Maybe there are things he sees that we can't."Faced with her words, Damian became even more furious."What can he see that we can't?! I think he's just deliberately trying to go against me. I think he's unhappy that I am the manager!" He slammed the table and continued, "Ari! I don't understand why you value him so much!“Don't you know how notorious he is in this circle? My friends said he was someone no one could get along with. How did he stomp all over you and make you put him on a ped
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