Austin strode off, no longer putting on an act. Lily did not bother stopping him since she had not invited him and did not want to allow him into her home in the first place.Anastasia remained quiet when she noticed Lilyโs silence. โIf the house owner hasnโt asked him to stay, who am I to say anything?โMaria looked at them and the leaving man before she hurried after him. โMr. Fike? Mr. Fike! Miracle Doctor!โ She shouted when she realized he was not stopping.Austin suddenly stopped and spun around to look at Maria in rage. โDonโt call me โmiracle doctorโ ever again! If that woman is up to the task, why donโt you let her treat your niece?โHe walked off sternly, no longer paying any attention to Maria.Maria caught herself after two seconds and hurriedly gave chase. โMr. Fike, donโt let ignorant people upset you. It isnโt worth it. That Mrs. Russell is just a pampered woman who is out of touch with the world!โHow would she know how good you are? Sheโs just an ignorant hillbill
Lily lifted her gaze to Anastasia and smiled. โIโm not sure. Your aunt might know better since sheโs the one who hired him.โ Anastasia wanted to ask a few more questions, but Mariaโs shrill voice came from outside the door, โOf course I do!โ She strode in, looking upset.When she entered the door, she stared at Lily and said with a sigh, โMr. Fike is Dominic Fikeโs secret apprentice. Mrs. Russell, as someone who has married well and has good looks, you have no idea what my niece is going through. I took a lot of effort to bring the miracle doctor here, yet you made him leave in a fit!โLily chuckled. โMaโam, if I remember correctly, this happens to be my house. Do I need approval in deciding who to invite and who I donโt wish to see?โโI have yet to ask her why she brought someone else in without my permission, and she dares to question me instead!โโYouโฆโ Thinking she could not direct her anger at Lily, Maria decided to vent it on Anastasia. She took a few steps forward and seiz
Maria moved a few steps forward as she spoke and snatched up the half-empty glass of prune juice. โThis is the proof!โ She chuckled coldly when she noticed Lily raise her brow. โWhatโs wrong? You still wonโt admit it? Do you dare say that itโs not juice?โEven if you donโt know about Tasiaโs health condition, you shouldnโt have offered juice to someone so fat! Also, I know she mustโve had lunch here since she came in the morning. What did you feed her?โ Anastasia dared not say anything as she had eaten some meat. Although Lily told her she could eat them, she tried her best not to eat much and even felt guilty afterward. She suddenly felt overcome with guilt and felt like she had eaten poison after her aunt inquired about it. โI was entertaining my guest. Do I need to report to you?โ Lounging in her chair, Lily did not even lift her eyelids.โIf it werenโt for Tasiaโs sake, I wouldnโt allow this woman to be so rude! Who is she to make all sorts of accusations against me?โโYo
Pouting scornfully, she could hardly wait any longer. โTasia, come on!โ โNow that the miracle doctor has gotten upset, Iโve got to find a way to persuade him to come back.โโLily, Iโm sorry for what happened today,โ Anastasia apologized as she walked away. โNo matter what, I came as a guest, but my family member brought over someone Lily dislikes and made a scene. This is our fault.โโItโs fine. Remember to come here often, okay?โNodding, Anastasia looked toward her aunt, who was chattering outside, and turned to leave. Maria was babbling as they entered the car. โTasia, how could you hang out with that kind of woman? Sheโs not someone easy to deal with!โI heard she used to have a boyfriend before marrying Alexander, and she ruined that manโs family. Alexanderโs uncle also got kicked out of the company and is now suffering in the mountains, thanks to her. AndโโโAunt Maria, where did you hear about these rumors?โ Frowning, Anastasia was upset. โTheyโre rather baseless, do
โAnastasiaโs family might not complain if Lily could improve her health, but they would blame her if she fails.โ Thoughtful for a moment, Lily touched her lips with a finger. โHowโs the Rollinsโ relationship with their relatives?โโAre you talking about her uncleโs wife, Mrs. Moore?โ Alexander caught on to what she was asking. โMs. Rollinsโ mother passed away when she was young, and Secretary Rollins was too busy to look after her. As a little girl, she was often cared for by her uncle and his wife, besides the nanny.โThe couple has a daughter too, and the two girls grew up together as companions.โ Alexander did not know much, but as he was somewhat close with Cameron, he had learned a thing or two about Cameronโs family. โThen they should be close, shouldnโt they?โ Lily asked again.From how Maria reacted today, she felt they were not really on good terms or close with each other.โIf sheโs close with Anastasia, why would she call her fat in front of others? Even if thatโs th
โWhat miracle doctor?โ Cameron caught on to the vital point and cut Maria off.โUhโฆโ Maria nearly choked as her outpouring of resentment was interrupted. โHeโs Dominic Fikeโs secret apprentice.โโDominic Fike, the famous physician?โ Cameron immediately thought of him.โYes, him! You also tried hiring him, but he retired and hasnโt been around for many years. People even suspect heโs dead, seriously ill, or paralyzed. Anyway, his secret apprenticeโs talent caught his attention, and he made an exception to teach him.โHeโs also said to be Dominic Fikeโs most gifted apprentice. I always wanted to reach him, and it took me a great deal of effort to find out how to contact himโโโWhere is he?โ Cameron interjected again and looked behind her. He saw Anastasia moving carefully into the house instead.At the mention of this, Maria revealed a sad expression and sighed. โGood question! I worked so hard to engage his service, but Mrs. RussellโโCameron frowned. โMrs. Russell?โAfter getti
Cameron gazed at Anastasia momentarily, released a sad sigh, and slowly sat down. โTasia, tell me the truth. Have you eaten anything you arenโt supposed to?โ From his calm voice, one could tell he was trying his best to control his emotions.Anastasia pursed her lips. โI did eat something, but Lily gave me healthy food. They would strengthen my body and not make me fat. Lily says my basal metabolic rate is high. As long as my food intake is not over it, there will be a calorie deficit, and Iโll then be able to lose weight! Dad, I think itโll work!โAt least she had not felt too hungry after her meal. She used to spend her days in hunger. Due to the strict diet plan, she knew she would eat tomatoes, cucumber, or broccoli and would feel revolted just thinking about them.She dared not tell her father she had thought about ending her life before as it was an agony to suffer like this, especially since she knew her father worried about her.After meeting Lily, she felt the woman had op
Suddenly, Anastasia looked up and said firmly, โPlease let me try again! For one last time! Letโs not treat it like Iโm trying to lose weight or think about how much I have to lose. I canโt get any worse now. Please let me do what I want for once. I was genuinely happy around Lily, and I feel she wonโt cause me harm!โCameron was somewhat astonished. His daughterโs beautiful eyes were full of determination. It had been such a long time since he had seen such a glow in her eyes. He was moved despite himself and was somewhat swayed. โTasiaโฆโโDad, I know you mean well, but Iโm sick of eating tomatoes and cucumbers. You donโt know this, but I threw up many times before. Still, I did try to obey you!โTears streamed down as she continued, โI want to slim down and have a nice body too. I want to wear beautiful dresses and dance, but Iโve tried everything! Or do you think I should go for a gastrectomy? Even if I were to have the surgery, please let me try Lilyโs method for the last time!โ
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