Every staff in MN Inc.’s laboratory devoted themselves to the experiments and trials. However, the composition of essential oils was complex, and there are dozens of ingredients in the formula. Even with procedures, a small quantity variance would cause different outcomes when combined. The cause and manner of the issue would then be unclear.Everyone seemed to be stumped. The staff had been working nonstop, putting up with neck pain and eyesores— except for one person. Olivia was still sitting on a chair with all the experimental equipment in front of her. Her body was leaned back, and her hands drooped down to her sides. Her head leaned against the chair, and she fell asleep the next second. At that exact moment, Melanie walked in and saw the scene.“...” She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and then slowly reached for a blanket for Olivia.Probably startled, Olivia opened her eyes in a daze and murmured when she saw Melanie, “Ms. Thayer, you’re back.”“Yeah!” Melanie said
Melanie jolted up from her seat, pacing back and forth as if she would be unable to restrain her anger once she stopped. Olivia ignored her, stretched, turned around, and sluggishly walked back to the laboratory as if she was unwilling to work.Melanie finally collected her thoughts and looked at Olivia again, “Okay, what do you want? Whatever your conditions are, I will do my best to satisfy them.” At that breaking moment, Melanie had to endure her anger for a while instead of begging Lily. Melanie would rather negotiate with Olivia face to face. At least the situation would still be within her control. Olivia tilted her head and glanced at Melanie. She giggled, “Oh, you’re so authoritative, Ms. Thayer. Any conditions at all? That does sound tempting, but is anything up for consideration?”Melanie felt contempt when she saw Olivia’s high-spirited appearance. After all, this was just a deal, and no one could ever put a price on affection and loyalty. Since Olivia asked such
“T-Ten times?!” Melanie gasped in disbelief. She was surprised by Olivia’s colossal appetite.She could not even process it before she heard Olivia saying, “As for the promotion…you’re underestimating my ambitions. Why would I be satisfied with just a managerial position in the R&D department? What I truly want is your position!” She pointed and looked straight at Melanie, indicating she was not joking.Melanie’s expression turned sour immediately after. Although it was just a temporary measure to get Olivia’s help, Melanie could always break her promise later. Still, it was infuriating that Olivia had the guts to ask for Melanie’s position so openly. If Melanie agreed to give up her position to Olivia, what would the other staff members think of her, not to mention the industry?Olivia had expected Melanie, so she was in no rush. She sat back comfortably in her chair with her hands resting behind her head. Olivia looked up and said, “Oh, there’s one more thing. You’ll have to apolo
Melanie glanced at the caller ID and saw Nathaniel’s name. She glared at Olivia one last time, pushed the test tube back into her hands, and warned, “You should think about what you say more carefully. Don’t make a fool out of yourself!” Then she turned around and walked away.“Where have you been?!” Nathaniel asked harshly over the phone.“I was in the lab,” Melanie was upset over his tone, “I was just trying to help. Since Lily isn’t willing to help us, I can’t just leave you to deal with this on your own. MN Inc. is our company, and I don’t want to see it go down like this.”“No one said that our company is going down. Stop being so negative. Get ready to leave. I’m coming over to pick you up,” Nathaniel sounded like he was in a hurry as he hung up right away.Melanie stared at her phone for a second before walking back toward the lab. She peeked into the lab but stopped herself after a second thought. It was probably a waste of time trying to convince Olivia. She should just th
It was just a fight, but Lily felt like her whole body was in pain. It was obvious that she had not been training enough. Lily had been leading a slightly too comfortable life since leaving the Lodges. After she left, Lily could pursue what she wanted and loved. However, seeing Justin served as a wake-up call, and it reminded Lily that it did not matter where she ran. She would always be a Lodge. While soaking in her bath, Lily noticed a bruise on her arm. It was likely from the fight she had with Justin. She made a mental note to take care of it later. She reflected on her encounter with Nathaniel and Melanie and realized what a dull and uneventful day it had been. Lily expected to feel anger or resentment, but upon seeing them again, she felt only sadness for her former self.She felt bad for past Lily, who had treated the two with sincerity and unconditional love. She thought Nathaniel was the one, and that Melanie was the best friend she could ever have. How foolish of he
"A-Al…" Lily tried to open her mouth to speak, but Alexander silenced her by placing his finger on her lips. "Don't say a word." Lily could only stare at him silently. From this proximity, she could see his Adam's apple moving, and she found this natural movement attractive for some reason. Alexander slowly lowered his head and pressed his lips onto hers. Since Lily had just come out of the bath, her body was still damp. Alexander had carried her from the bathroom to their bedroom, so his clothes were soaked, making them cling to her skin. Even though Lily had been neglecting her training in boxing these recent years, she still had a lean figure. Besides having abdominal muscles and a perfect vest line due to regularly working out, she also exuded feminine grace. Lily opened her eyes in a daze, and all she could see was his attractive, muscular body. She never expected that he was hiding this under his tailor-made suits. Alexander had a desirable physique, and
Why was he asking her about this? Lily bit her bottom lip, nodded quickly, and turned her head away from him. Alexander did not need any further explanation as her reactions were clear enough. He got up to grab another bath towel, then wrapped it securely around Lily while also pulling out a blanket to cover her. His gesture surprised Lily, and she turned to look at him. When Alexander saw she was staring at him, he bowed down and gave her a peck on her forehead.He was stopped as Lily took hold of his hand. She raised her head to look at him, her voice still husky. "What's the meaning of this?" Alexander looked at the small hand that was firmly holding his. It made him feel like she needed him. "Why?" Lily asked in confusion."There's no need to rush this. I'll wait until you're ready." Alexander raised his other hand and stroked her head lovingly. He had thought Lily was experienced after all those years with Nathaniel. However, this incident had proved him
It was undeniable that Lily had feelings for Alexander. However, she was unsure if she could describe their time together or the things Alexander had done for her as love. She did not know if her feelings for him had turned into love.Alexander was handsome, rich, kind, and considerate. He always put Lily first, so how could she not fall for him? Still, was this love?Alexander only smiled softly at her answer. He was not surprised at all. He traced her lips gently with his thumb and reassured her, “It’s okay. We have plenty of time, so there’s no need to rush things. You’ll start loving me eventually.”“But…” he paused, “I won’t take that step before that. We’ll only move forward when you’re sure and willing to accept me wholeheartedly.”When Alexander finally let go of her hand and got up to leave, Lily recovered from her daze and hurriedly asked, “What about you? Do you love me?”Alexander turned around and smiled. His eyes were gleaming like the stars in the night sky. “Of cou
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