It was already dark when the car arrived at Dominic's house.This place was far from the city center, and the starry sky was clear and beautiful. There were no flashing lights, just peace and quiet.Elijah had already called Dominic on the way here. Sure enough, Dominic refused. However, after hearing about Rhea's death, he was shocked.After a moment of silence, he finally gave in and allowed them to come. He warned them to make sure they were not followed and not to stay too long.Their journey into the manor was smooth; the car drove quietly and stopped at the front.When Elijah got out of the car, he saw a luxury car next to them with a license plate he didn't recognize. It seemed that there was a foreign visitor here. This puzzled him. After all, Dominic rarely had visitors, and it was late at night.However, since Elijah had already been warned not to talk or ask too many questions, he dared not let his mind wander. He looked around suspiciously before following his wife in
"Rhea is dead?" A strange female voice sounded. Elijah was stunned for a moment and looked toward the source of the voice.A woman came in through the door leading to the backyard. She patted the dirt on her hands and washed them before coming over.He watched her every move until she approached him and hesitantly looked at Dominic. "Uncle Dom?"Dominic took a glance at Lily and rubbed his nose. "This is my apprentice.""Hello, I'm Lily," Lily greeted Elijah politely.Elijah felt that name sounded familiar, but he was more shocked that Dominic introduced her as his apprentice.โWas this an acknowledgment that this woman was his secret apprentice?! I didn't expect it to be a woman!โAs Dominic's closest relatives, they knew about him taking in a secret apprentice, and of course, they also knew it was not their son. They did not know who it was. Dominic never said anything, and they weren't close enough to ask.Now that he had openly admitted it, Elijah was quite surprised."Jus
Since it was a poison, there would always be an antidote. Finding the poisoner was the most direct and convenient way to get the antidote. Who would have thought the person would be "dead" before he found her?With this sudden change in the situation, Elijah could only pin his hopes on Dominic."He's not poisoned. He's injected with a catalyst."This stunned Elijah. He blinked, almost doubting his ears. If his ears were fine, there must be something wrong with his comprehension.โWhat isโฆa catalyst?โ"I'm sorry, but I don't understand. What is a catalyst?" This was his first encounter with the term."Well, it's similar to poisons. It also damages bodily functions. The only difference is that catalysts accelerate the growth and division of the body cells to improve one's physical fitness and other aspects," Lily explained in the most layman's terms possible.As expected, Elijah tilted his head and thought momentarily before hesitantly asking, "So, it's something like a stimulant?
Elijah was full of hope, but reality dealt him a severe blow.Lily shook her head with some remorse on her face. "I can't figure it out. The properties of the drugs have wholly integrated with his body. It's been a long time, so there's no way to undo it.""How can that be?!" Lily's words were undoubtedly a punch to Elijahโs face. He instantly paled and turned to Dominic in a panic. "Uncle Dom. Uncle Dom, talk to me! You have a solution, don't you? You're the miracle doctor! You've saved so many people. You must be able to save Austin, right?"Dominic sighed without saying a word, but his expression said enough.Lily spoke again. "On the bright side, this poison is not deadly. He won't die for now.""What do you mean for now? What bright side?! With his state, he might as well be dead!" Elijah pointed upstairs as he spoke, feeling pain in his heart.He was struggling to keep his emotions in check. After all, with his son in such a situation, it was hard for him to control himself
"I'll pay you twice the original price of the treasures he has ruined, butโฆ" Lily paused and curled up her lips into a smile. "You know that's not what I'm talking about, right?""Hmmโฆ" After dragging out his hum, the older man put down his teacup. "You showed up so suddenly that I didn't have time to ask. How are things on your end?""It's done. Weโve developed the antidote. Otherwise, why would I be standing here?" Lily replied casually."Really?" Dominic frowned. "Why did I hear it's not that simple, and there are rats within the department?"She did not expect Dominic to know this and pursed her lips. Lily gently ran her fingers through her hair and frowned. "Do you have an insider there, old man?""Why do you say it like that?! You make me sound like a spy!" Dominic slapped his thigh and gave her a look. "My apprentices are everywhere, okay?"Lily rodded her eyes and nodded. "Yeah, yeah. You have apprentices all around the world. Then did any of your apprentices tell you whe
Galen came out of the room, rubbing his eyes. "Mommyโฆ""Why are you awake?" Lily stretched out her arms and pulled him to her side. Her belly had grown bigger over the days. Although it was inconvenient to hold Galen, she would not let that stop her."I thought you left." The child snuggled into his mother's embrace. He did not say much, but his actions were loud and clear.Lily felt a little guilty. She had indeed neglected her son recently. After being separated for such a long time at such a young age, he must have missed her. However, he was sensible and did not complain."No! I'm not leaving you anymore. We'll go home together," she softly said as she rubbed his head.Galen's eyes lit up when he heard the word โhome.โ He immediately became more energetic. "Really?! Can we go home now?!""Of course." Seeing how cheerful he became made Lily happy as well. "Daddy is back too. We can be together again.""Okay!" At this moment, Galen acted like a child again, jumping up and down
However, the enormous room seemed empty untilโฆA short man jumped down from the chair behind the desk, walked around it, and walked in front of Mike. "What's wrong?""Rhea Moore is dead!" Mike replied bluntly.He was shocked to receive the news. Initially, he thought that it might be fake and that it was all a ploy. However, judging from the various sources and the current situation, it may be true."I know." The man looked up at him with his eyes slightly narrowed behind the mask, looking slightly displeased.Mike got the hint immediately and squatted down. Only then did he see a little satisfaction in that man's eyes."Why is it so sudden? Why did the factory explode? I've done many experiments before, and there has never been such a problem. Is sheโฆ faking her death?" Mike asked tentatively. He still felt like this was a game that the man and Rhea had set up.However, the man took a deep look at him and sighed. Then he climbed up on the chair behind Mike and sat down, shaki
At the mention of his son, Mike looked disturbed and hastily lowered his head. โNo, no, of course not! Donโt forget that youโve promised me. If anything were to happen to my son, Iโll do whatever it takes to ruin your experiment!โThe man was threatened, but instead of being angry he smiled and laughed. โGood! Iโm glad youโre aware of what I could do. Mike, youโve tried to search for your son dozens of times behind my back, havenโt you? Have you found him yet?โMikeโs shoulders shuddered, and his hands on both sides quietly clenched into fists. However, he remained silent.He pressed his lips tightly together and kept his head low without saying a word, determined not to make a response.Of course, the man did not care if he responded and just smirked as he said, โIf so, you know what the organization and I are capable of, and a puny businessman like you is no match for us, not even Alexander. Therefore, I advise you to do what I say, or I can't promise that your son will be safe.
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