"Do you know who it was?"The surveillance tapes in the house had been cleared. It was obvious that the woman had come prepared. Alexander felt a heaviness in his heart, and for the first time, he felt like he faced a crisis.Lily shook her head. "It's a woman, but she was wearing a mask. I don't think I know her."Alexander fell silent when he heard this.He appeared to have a good idea of who it was. After thinking for a moment, he asked again, "Are you sure you're not injured?""There you go again!" Lily feigned anger and reached out to poke his forehead. "I'm fine! Although she was fast and ruthless, she gave me space to react. Maybe she just wanted to test me.โI'm guessing she must also be from a family of kickboxers. Do you think it'sโฆ" She hesitated to continue because of her uncertainty. "Heather Riggs," Alexander said calmly.At this point, it made no sense for him to continue hiding it from her. It would only make things even more dangerous. He decided it would be b
"Yes, but this person has great ambitions. She was behind what happened to the Lodge family back then.โ"You mean... the Light-Shadow Killers?" Lily frowned as the memories from the past came rushing in.Although Henry was filled with wishful thinking and had many things planned, Lily had always felt that someone was always controlling him from behind the scenes. She had told Justin about this back then, and he said that he would look into it. Later, he became so occupied that he pushed this matter aside, and she did not pursue it any further. Now, she found out that Heather was behind the Light-Shadow Killers! "That means she manipulated Henry into trying to take over the Lodge family and make him her puppet?"Alexander nodded. "I supposed that was her plan, but who would've thought that even someone like Henry couldn't be so easily manipulated? While she was using him to gain the power of the Lodge family, he was also using her to seize power. Their only downfall was that they
Alexanderโs mood instantly changed when he saw her laughing. โHow can she tease me like that?!โ He looked at her smile and immediately grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.The couple was out of breath when it was over, but their body heat soared.Alexander had been extra meticulous ever since she was pregnant. Not only did he not do anything intimate, he also tried his best to avoid kissing her. According to him, they should not play with fire as it might get out of control.However, this time, it was obvious that both of them were on the verge of losing control."Alexโฆ" Lily called out softly with a hoarse voice. That voice had an extra bit of charm and seductive power to it.Alexander quickly raised his hand and put his finger on her lips to prevent her from talking again. He was afraid he might not be able to control himself. Faced with his abstinence, Lily found it both funny and heartbreaking. She blinked and suddenly stuck out her tongue to l
When Alexander was about to withdraw his hand, Lily grabbed it. He raised his eyebrows as she asked quietly, โHow aboutโฆโ Her cheeks were flushed as she bit her lower lip lightly. โLetโs do it.โAlexander's eyes flashed with shock. Of course, he wanted to. He had to suppress his lust every time he hugged her to sleep. It was torture, but he knew he must resist for her body and their child's health.Although Lily spoke directly, her eyes quickly moved away with a shy expression on her face. Alexander laughed and lowered himself to kiss her forehead, cheek, and lips.His lips just touched hers quickly and left again. Lily opened her eyes and looked at him."Silly, we have a lifetime to do it. Now none of this matters for your health. Understand?" Alexander said softly."Hmm," She responded softly."Good night!" After kissing her forehead again, Alexander got up and got dressed.Lily looked at him and asked suspiciously, "Aren't you coming to bed?""I still have something to take
Although Hannah hid in a corner, how could Heather not notice her with her years of experience practicing kickboxing?"Come out!" Heather yelled sharply as a thin body staggered out from the corner."H-Heather, I..." Hannah flinched.Heather felt annoyed by just looking at her. How could someone who looks exactly like her but acts so weak exist? Her existence made Heather feel shameful."Come here!" Heather ordered after taking two deep breaths to calm down.Hannah obeyed habitually and walked toward her sister. Then she stopped, shrugged, and lowered her head as she dared not look directly at Heather.She stood there, letting Heather look at her from head to toe. Heatherโs eyes paused when she saw the gauze wrapped around Hannahโs earlobe. She thought about the earring two days ago and felt uncomfortable. "Are your ears better?"Although Heatherโs voice was blunt, her tone was at least caring, making Hannah flattered. She suddenly raised her head to look at Heather. Her eyes re
Of course, he was feisty!Heather was annoyed that Ralph could not tell the difference between her and this b*tch. โDo me and Hannah resemble each other that much?! Besides our faces, how am I the same as her?โHannah was inferior to Heather regarding temperament, character, and capability, so Heather wondered how Ralph could not tell the difference between her and her sister."Ah!" Hannah did not expect Heatherโs hand to exert force suddenly, and there was a tingling pain on her lips. She exclaimed as tears instantly filled her eyes."Do men like your soft look?" Heather found her sisterโs face annoying even though it resembled her exactly. She relaxed her hand abruptly and turned around before continuing, โYouโll return to our home tomorrow!โThe tingling sensation on Hannah's lips had not subsided, yet she looked on in surprise and could not believe what she had heard. "H-Heather?"โWhat did she say? She wants me to go home?!โ Hannah did not want to go back there yet.Althoug
After staring at Hannah for a while, Heather's eyes softened. She raised her hand and patted Hannah's shoulder lightly. "Alright, youโ"Before she could finish her sentence, a maid came in. "Ms. Heather, thereโs a visitor for you. His surname is Russell.""Russell..." Heather looked over after a while and saw Hannah's eyes light up. Although it was only for a moment, she did see it.โHannah did fall in love.โHer thoughts changed again. "Go back to your room. Don't come out without my order!"This was expected, and Hannah pursed her lips. "Okay!"She turned and walked toward the basement. She trotted away and disappeared around the corner. However, once she rounded the corner, she could not resist pausing and turning to face the other way. โIs it him?โ"Let him in!"Heather was still wondering whether it was Ralph or Alexander. She sat down again and called someone to clean up the table and brew a pot of tea.When the tea was served, Alexander walked in. Seeing that it was him
"Isn't this why you came to my house? Whatโs wrong? You dared to visit my wife, but you don't dare open it?โAt this point, it was clear that he knew Heather had attacked Lily. Even so, Heather did not intend to admit it. She let out a light chuckle and said, "I don't think I understand what youโre talking about. Why did I visit your wife? When did I go? Your house? Oh, you mean the Russell Estates? Your uncle and I are about to get married, so it makes sense to go to your house. You must refer to me as โAunt,โ while we're on the subject.โWatching her deny it, Alexander did not force her anymore. His sight fell on the box. "That needs to wait till you officially marry my uncle. You won't open my gift because you think I've messed with it or that you won't like it?โHeather looked at him. It was the first time she had given this legendary man a serious look.She did not think of Alexander as an opponent. For her, kickboxing was the most important thing. She had been obsessed with
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, โThereโs something I find strange.โโWhat is it?โ Mike asked after comforting his son.โInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnโt we reach him?โAfter some thought, Mike answered, โThere are two possibilities. Itโs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnโt want us to contact him.โThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.โWhy canโt we contact Ross? Is he planning something?โโฆThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenโs leg and looked up at her, saying, โYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itโll take some time before you can stand.โSuddenly, Lily chuckled.โWhy are you laughing?โ 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, โOf course, you wouldnโt.โโThatโsโฆ quite a pity,โ the queen murmured thoughtfully.โWell, thereโs a price to pay for everything. Thatโs how the world balances itself,โ Lily continued, โI canโt stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonโt witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnโt something youโll regret.โLily 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 Yasminโs legs. โYour Majesty, those needlesโโThe queen waved dismissively. โItโs okay. Lily will remove them later.โEven so, Rick was wary. โYouโre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanโโโShe wouldnโt,โ 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.โTell me. What do you want?โ The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyโs 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 donโt 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 wasnโt sure if youโd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnโt 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.โThatโs it?!โ 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.โI havenโt felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnโt mind waiting for three more days.โโAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?โ 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, โI canโt guarantee that youโll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenโt used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youโll recover slowly.โYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
โBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""Iโฆ don't trust anyone." Yasminโs 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? Youโve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenโt you tired of living a lonely life?โLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminโs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, โSightsee, huh? Iโve forgotten what thatโs like.โYasmin 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 Lilyโs suggestion.Lily asked, โWhat 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 couldnโt 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 whoโs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youโ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.โHowever, 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?""Youโฆ" 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, โBring Lily over. Iโd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.โ"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youโ"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, โHer Majesty wants to see you.โLily 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. โYou stay.โ"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnโt 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 queenโs 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, โIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonโt do that to me. Itโs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iโm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.โAfter a short silence, Lily said, โYouโre right.โ She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, โMe too.โDominic 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, โThanks, you guys!โ"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donโt be rash like you promised," Aust