The lights in the instituteโs laboratory were on all night. Austin yawned at the crack of dawn as he removed his mask and washed his hands. He rubbed his worn-out, swollen eyes as he left the lab.He had not stayed up for two nights straight in vain. They were already at their final stage. He did not think the problem was that serious.Over the past two days, he had carefully pondered the issue at hand. Since Lily could do it, why couldn't he? How was she any better than him? She was only a part of this project earlier than him and had more experience than him.Since she had more opportunities for practice, she would be further along than he. He must have been too impatient these days to have overlooked this.With this new point of view, he let himself get caught up in the project and worked long hours. He wanted to spend more time narrowing the gap between him and Lily. He needed to achieve something.If he failed to overthrow this woman, he would have to reevaluate himself.Aus
Even if the woman did not stay up, it was still early for her to be here."Hold up, Professor Thompson. I have a quick question to ask." With that, Austin quickly turned around and went downstairs.However, as soon as he reached the first floor, he realized that Thompson was alone. The woman seemed to have left."Austin, what's the matter?" Thompson asked with a smile, apparently waiting for him."It's just a little bump I've encountered during the experiment." Looking over his shoulder, Austin asked, "Professor Thompson, who was that woman just now? Is she also from our institute? Why is she here so early?""Oh, she is, but she's working on another project," Thompson answered lightly. "That's why you haven't seen her much. So, what is it that you want to ask?"Ignoring his question, Austin nodded. "Oh, I see. I never knew we were doing other projects. I've never heard you mention anything about them. What project is it?""Austin, you've been here long enough to know that you sh
Thompson smiled, unimpressed. He was expecting to hear this.Seeing his smile, Austin felt shame wash over him. Although he never explicitly stated that he was Dominic's secret apprentice, others were spreading the word for him. Austin did not correct them either. Therefore, this smile that Thompson had was as if he could see right through Austin's charade."The old man hasn't felt very good for the past few years, so he doesn't want to meet outsiders. However, if you have any questions that you need me to ask him, maybe I can help you with that," Austin added after clearing his throat.These words implied that he was close to Dominic. Although Austin couldn't bring Thompson to see Dominic, he could still offer to help solve a problem or two."Really?" Sure enough, this piqued Thompson's interest. "If that's the case, great! There are a few problems I've been trying to figure out. Austin, if itโs no trouble please help me ask Mr. Dominic.""Of course!" Austin straightened his back
The woman ignored his anger, and her lips' corners curved upward slightly. "I don't know you, but we will once we talk."Austin did not know what to say.โThe world has changed! When did women become so bold and crazy?!โBefore this, there was Lily, who was always there to condemn him everywhere he went. Now, this woman also happened to be from the research institute.โAre all the women from this institute insane?!โAt that moment, Austin suddenly remembered that she was a part of the research institute and that Thompson said she was working on another project. With that in mind, he toned down his temper."All right, but this isn't a suitable place to chat. Let's go somewhere else." Austin glanced around and suggested, "There's a nearbyโ""Here is just fine," she interrupted him. "Let's just talk here.""Here?" Austin looked around. They were close to the laboratory building, and although it was still early, it was almost time for work. There would be people coming in and out f
The womanโs gaze was sharp as her eyes focused on him. Her thin lips moved, spitting out a name. "Rhea Moore.""RheaโฆMoore," Austin repeated after her. He ransacked his brain, attempting to match a face to that name, but to no avail. Then he nodded. "Are you from the research institute too? Professor Thompson mentioned that you're in charge of another project. What is it?"Rhea looked at him with squinted eyes. "Are you the one who will be treating my cousin?""Who?!" Austin was startled by her question."Anastasia Rollins," she replied, "Didn't you promise my mother?"Only after Rhea mentioned Anastasia's name did Austin remember what had happened. "You mean that fatโ" Just as he was about to finish his sentence, he quickly corrected himself after feeling like it was inappropriate. "So, you're Mrs. Moore's daughter.""Do you know how?" Rhea ignored his words and asked directly."Of course I do. Isn't that girl just obese? It's as hard and as easy as it can get. The important th
On the surface, it sounded like Austin was praising Lily. However, he had a feeling that the woman before him was not someone that a few simple praises would sway.Her attitude was a prime example of that. Others who saw him as Dominic's secret apprentice approached him respectfully and politely. Rhea knew that her mother was begging for his help, yet she did not even consider his presence. There was no sense of respect from her. It even seemed like she was a little cocky.Austin had met many people over the years, and Rhea seemed similar to himโconceited.People who could work in this research institute and have a close relationship with Thompson must be capable. Those who were capable were typically arrogant, especially youngsters. If she heard that Lily was more respected than her in this research institute, Rhea would turn green with envy.Sure enough, a cold smile appeared on her face. "Very capable?""Yeah. It's a pity you're not on the same project. Otherwise, there might b
Lily stared blankly at the shattered glass on the ground, anxiety rising as though the sharp sound had found its way into her heart.Then she crouched down to pick them up before Olivia quickly grabbed her. "Don't! Let me do it!""I'm sorryโฆ" Lily mumbled. It seemed like she was in a trance."What are you apologizing for? This is your studio," Olivia joked, trying to lighten the mood.She noticed Lily's absentmindedness today but did not bring it up or ask any questions. Once she saw how out of it Lily was, Olivia knew Lily couldn't continue working."Go and rest. Leave this to me!" Olivia said, pushing Lily out before she turned to clean up the mess on the floor.It was fortunate that the contents were merely perfume-making raw materials. Even if it were broken and scattered, it wouldn't be harmful.Once she was done cleaning up, she saw Lily sitting on the sofa outside with a calm look. However, Lily seemed immersed in her phone, scrolling through her messages."Has Mr. Russe
"What do you mean?" Olivia was a little curious.After all, it was a yes-or-no question."Instead of saying that I'm helping her lose weight, it's more of trying to cure her illness."When Lily picked up the teacup, there was an anti-scalding cover over it. It wasn't hot enough to burn her hand, but she felt refreshed when the heat blew against her face."Cure her illness?" Olivia asked, a little puzzled. Then something clicked. "I get it now. Other things cause obesity. Does it have something to do with her endocrine system?"To her surprise, Lily shook her head. "No."After saying a word, she fell silent again and blew on the tea as if deep in thought.Olivia did not bug her either. She just found all this a little strange.After a while, Lily finally spoke. "I haven't figured it out yet. It's just a wild guess. I'll have to look deeper into it.""Oh," Olivia responded. Just as she stretched out her arm to pick up her glass of tea, she saw Lily put hers down and stand up. "I
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