Having been agitated while suffering from the wound, Heather could hardly sleep that night. She was in a bad mood, feeling a headache and pain in her chest. She got up to take a sip of water. She reached out for her phone and realized she had smashed it. โWell, I guess Iโve got to get a new one.โBored to have stayed at home for two days, she decided to go out while thinking about what she should do next. Now that Alexander knew what she was trying to do, it would be hard to get the secret handbook. There would be no point in going to Alexanderโs house again, as the handbook would no longer be there. However, having spent years trying to find it, she couldnโt give up now. โMy head!โShe ate a painkiller and tried to pull herself together. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she found herself getting thinner and looking more like Hannah, who had always been slimmer. She grew dismayed thinking about her. โChump!โ Walking over to the bedroom door, she opened it and shou
โYouโฆ youโre Ms. Riggs, right?โ Confronted, one of the sales assistants thought she might as well ask her directly. โYes.โ Heather nodded. โYou know me?โโOh my God!โ Their reaction surprised Heather as they screamed in excitement. โYouโre really Ms. Riggs! We guessed you were when you entered our shop and youโre much prettier than how you looked on TV! Weโre so happy for you. Congratulation on your marriage!โHeather was stunned. She was clueless about what they were saying about TV and marriage. โWait! Marriage?โReminded of what Hannah did, she narrowed her eyes. โWhere did you see me? I mean, on TV?โโYeah, yeah!โ One of them nodded vigorously. โThe video of Mr. Russell proposing to you had gone viral on the Internet. Itโs so romantic and you two make such a great couple!โ โGreat couple, my ass!โHer expression grew serious, and her gaze became fierce. The salesgirls had not expected her to react like this. Not only was she not happy, but she had also become
Ralph jolted awake when he heard something. He looked over his shoulder and saw Heather sitting inside the approaching car and excitedly jogged to it.Chump noticed him, looked over his shoulder, and said, โMiss?โโIgnore him and drive!โ Heather said coldly.Chump followed her orders and stepped on the accelerator as the car swished past Ralph so fast that it nearly knocked him over if he had not gotten out of the way in time.Ralph was shocked. He saw the gate to her house open, but when he caught himself and went after the car, it closed again, and he slammed into it with a bang. The impact was so significant that he clenched his teeth in pain.Having the gate shut in his face, Ralph was perplexed and angry. If he had been tolerating the woman before this, he decided she had gone too far now.โAlthough women are as mercurial as the temperature, Heather alternated between extremes. If other women change their minds every other week, Heather might change hers dozens of times in a
Ralph would have been dead if he did not dodge the arrows in time.โThis is too much!โHe got up and got mad seeing the row of arrows and shouted, โHeather Riggs, I know you can hear me! Whatโs the meaning of this?! We have to talk through this today!โEven though he coveted her properties and wanted to join forces with the Riggs family to defeat Alexander, he could no longer take it. He believed he might lose his life thanks to this capricious woman before he could do anything to Alexander.โI might be able to tolerate her temper, but what sheโs doing today is too much! Is she trying to kill her husband?โShe was fine yesterday and even shyly accepted my marriage proposal, yet sheโs become highly hostile today. Such a dramatic reversal is too much, and no woman in her right mind would do so!โYes, she has a screw loose. Heather must be a nutcase!โ Ralph got angrier the more he thought about it. He stood there, arms akimbo, and shouted at the surveillance camera, โCome out, Heath
Ralph saw the gate open before his eyes and wondered if Heather had finally decided to let him in. Now that she had finally opened the gate, Ralph hesitated. โIโve scolded her for so long. Is she trying to lure me in so she can attack me inside?โ Thinking so, he grew scared but did not want to appear as a coward.He chuckled coldly toward the surveillance camera. โWhy? Must I enter if you open the gate? I simply wonโt! Why should I do what you want me to do? Iโm telling you, Heather, Iโve had enough!โI let you do what you want because youโre the daughter of the Riggs family, but Iโm somebody from the Russel family, and you've gone too far lately. I wonโt entertain you anymore!โ Ralph turned to leave.Meanwhile, in the living area, Chump saw Ralph heading toward his car, lowering his head slightly. โMiss, should I bring him inside?โHeather curled her lips, and Chump knowingly went away. There was a vroom of a motorcycle as it raced away.Outside the gate, Ralph was genuinely le
Although Chump said nothing, he controlled the speed well so Ralph would not die from this. However, by the time he rode over to the main entrance of the house, Heather, who stood on the staircase, could see that Ralph could hardly scold her anymore. His haute couture suit was in tatters, and the man lay feebly on the ground, looking as though he was dying. โOh, itโs you, the famous Mr. Russell. Whatโs the matter? I thought you wanted to say something to my face?โ Curling her lips, Heather was in a much better mood now. โNo one can leave safely after criticizing me. I wonโt let it happen!โ Ralph wanted to curse her, but his whole body was falling apart. Feeling pain all over, he suspected his skin was scraped here and there and wondered if any of his bones were broken. โHow could this woman do this to me!โ Being the youngest son, Ralph was not his fatherโs favorite and had not been made the heir to the familyโs business, but he was pampered by his mother and had always enjoye
Giving him a thoughtful look, Heather turned and headed back to the house. โFollow me!โStaring after her, Ralph took a moment to respond. He looked over his shoulder at the emotionless man standing near him and lifted his foot to follow her. Walking up the stairs caused him to feel pain all over. Clenching his teeth, he took a breath and glanced at the man as he moved past him. He vowed inwardly that he must get even with him one day. Entering through the door, he saw Heather sitting on the sofa, making tea as if nothing had happened.Upset deep down, he strode over to the sofa in front of her and sat down despite the dirt on him. Heather shot him a glance and said, โChump, bring Mr. Russell to take a shower and prepare clean clothes for him,โWhen Chump was about to leave, Ralph held up his hand. โThereโs no need. I think at least Iโm being unique, arenโt I? Stop dawdling and just get to the point. I donโt deserve to wear your clothes anyway.โHe was being sarcastic. โItโs
โYesterday youโฆโHe wanted to say that she had accepted her marriage proposal, but he knew she was capable of backing out. As he had expected, she said, โThat was yesterday and Iโve changed my mind today. Besides, no one asked you to do such a shameful thing and publicize it. You publicly proposed to me and let others treat me like a circus monkey? Did you find that interesting?"She grew upset thinking about what happened yesterday. โThe worst part is that the woman he proposed to was that wretched girl, not me!โRalph was confused about why she had gotten angry over this today. โWasnโt she pleased yesterday?โ โSo youโre upset by the onlookers?โ He thought about it and concluded as such. โDoes it matter? What matters most is whether you can get what I want most from Alexander Russell!โ Getting impatient, Heather said. โWell, itโs not impossible, butโฆ about Riggs Groupโs sharesโฆโ โIf she could give me the shares, then I could at least have my personal holdings.โ He knew
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