Eloise sighed and interjected, “Your uncle is in Nate’s hands too.”"What?!” Arianna was stunned as she looked over her shoulder. She thought about it and shook her head. “No, it can’t be.”“It’s real, and Nate admitted it himself. Not just Derrick, but also that woman and her b*stard son. Now the company is his and has undergone an upheaval. I-I don’t even know what to say.”Although she had not joined Tanner Corporation, she witnessed its daily growth. With her son taking it over, she felt mixed emotions now that it no longer belonged to the Tanner family.“No.” Arianna shook her head and became pensive. “What happened at the hospital made me realize that Uncle Derrick is not an easily manipulated person. If he could patiently set up the trap and pretend to be sick with Aunt Stephanie’s help, how could an outsider take him hostage and take over Tanner Corporation so easily?”If even Arianna had failed despite various attempts, could Nathaniel succeed just like that? She felt it
Damian looked at his father and became slightly agitated because he had not seen him for many days. More importantly, it had been a difficult period for Damian. “Dad…”Joseph wanted to scold him, but he noticed how much weight his son had lost. He heaved a sigh and sat down. “Where have you been the last few days?”“I got kidnapped by Nathaniel Hall.”“So it really was him!” Joseph sighed again. He had expected it, but he still got upset hearing the answer.‘That man is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing!’Knowing his track record, Joseph was unhappy when Arianna brought this man into the company, but he did not think much about it then.He almost bought the rumor about Arianna having an intimate relationship with the man. Still, considering her preference for men, Joseph knew it was unlikely she would fall for someone like Nathaniel. After Arianna became engaged with Noah Richards, he grew more certain of it.Yet, he had never expected that Nathaniel was a son Eloise had given bi
“He’s in control, my a*s!” Joseph snorted. “Tanner Corporation has been around for years. There’s no way that every employee would take him seriously, especially the old-timers. Once I give my orders at the right time, I can still take the company back!”Elizabeth brightened hearing this, but she did not feel convinced after giving it some thought. “Are you sure? You’ve failed to seize Tanner Corporation after so many years, so how can you get it back now it’s in that man’s hands?”“It’s different now. My brother was still around back then.”“But your brother isn’t now?”“He’s gone missing, probably kidnapped by Nathaniel. Yes, we have to report this to the police!” He grew convinced that his plan could work. “Damian, get ready to go to the police station. Wait, no, we should think through what we’ll say before we leave.”Elizabeth noticed Joseph’s manic expression and asked, slightly worried, “Are you all right?”“I’m fine! I just got an idea. Damian, you tell the cops that you
Behind a massive desk in the Tanner Corporation Building was a near-transparent glass wall—wiped so clean that it looked nearly transparent,allowing light to shine through freely.He looked beyond the glass and took in the sprawling city landscape, thinking this was the pinnacle of his life and that he deserved to work there.Nathaniel was holding a wine glass with its red liquid swirling inside. Its color was bright and compelling. He recalled the past few months with a slight smile as if what happened was only a dream.He thought he could build a career through his own efforts and become somebody that people would look up to, but his company went bankrupt, and he had to dodge his creditors like a complete loser.Arianna then took him in and brought him into the company. He knew she was just using him and would cut him loose when she obtained her goal, so he had long prepared for his game plan.Each thought he or she was the mastermind, not knowing they were all Nathaniel’s pawns
Eloise grew sad thinking about her daughter. After seeing her the last time, Arianna refused to see Eloise again. It had been a while since Eloise last saw her daughter, not knowing if she had suffered in jail.“My sister?” Nathaniel raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “If I remember correctly, I’m yours and dad’s only son. I don’t have a sister!”“Although you have different fathers, I gave birth to both of you. That means she is your sister,” Eloise said.“She’s not!” Nathaniel roared, “If she’s my f*cking sister, how come she grew up wealthy and could have anything she wanted? Why does she have a father and a mother, but I have nothing and must endure mockery that I’m an unwanted bast*rd?“If she’s my sister, why could she have an easy life and openly call you mom in public while I could only wait for you to contact me first and not even be able to call you mom? Now you’re telling me she is my sister?! Sorry, I don’t have one because I’ve always been f*cking alone!”Eloise was sh
“You haven’t gotten the shares yet?” Eloise was shocked.Eloise did not know much about business and could not understand how her son could become the CEO without getting Derrick’s shares.“That old fox is too stubborn, so I need you to persuade him. Now that his son is dead, why should he hold on to the shares? If he wisens up and agrees to the transfer, I’ll make him my godfather and take care of him until he dies. He has nothing to lose,” Nathaniel said casually.“Take him as your godfather?” Eloise raised her voice and could hardly believe it. “How could you say such a thing just for money and power?”“Ha!” Nathaniel looked at his mother, amused. “If you could abandon me to marry into a wealthy family, what’s wrong with me taking him as my godfather? If he agrees to hand me Tanner Corporation, I can even treat him as my real father!”“Why you…” Eloise almost choked on her breath, not expecting her son to say such things.“I know you’re healthy, so keep your drama to yourself.
Eloise knew it would be difficult since Derrick and Stephanie were stubborn as a mule and would not budge easily. If even Arianna had failed to obtain the shares despite her various attempts, there was no way Derrick would give them to an outsider.However, she might as well visit them since she was already there. It had been a long time since she last saw the couple at the hospital, and she could hardly explain how she felt. Eloise walked toward the entrance, gave the door a gentle push, and it swung open.The air inside smelled of food. Derrick and his wife sat at the dining table and had their meals quietly. As if they had not heard anything, they did not even look up at the sound of someone entering.“Hi,” Eloise quietly said when she got near them.Derrick ignored her while his wife looked up. “El, it’s you.”“Steph.” Eloise felt a mix of emotions when Stephanie called her by her nickname.Although she had spent her whole life scheming and hoping her family could take over t
“He’s…”After a pause, Eloise heaved a heavy sigh. “With all that has happened, I guess he’s been generous, not leaving me for the sake of our marriage.”“With him keeping that woman for so many years, could he still hold it against you? Anyway, you two are quite alike in this aspect,” Derrick made fun of Eloise.Eloise was embarrassed and speechless. She had expected them to be hostile, even though she did not choose to be there.“All right, enough of your stories. What are you truly here for?” Derrick looked over at her as he spoke impatiently. Since Nathaniel was holding them as hostages, he knew Eloise had not come just to chat with them.‘I…” She hesitated for a moment, glanced toward the door, and whispered. “You haven’t transferred your shares to Nate, have you?”The couple shared a scornful look.“So that’s why you’re here!” Derrick snorted, “Eloise, you’ve married into the Tanner family for so many years. Have my wife and I ever mistreated you? How could you help your son
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