No matter how hard Alexander tried, he couldnโt stop worrying and felt overwhelmed by anxiety. He dared not think what would happen if Lily was indeed infected. โSheโs a pregnant woman, for Godโs sake! Howโs she going to cope?โThe call rang several times. If it were before, he would stop calling and wait for her to return his call, but he could not wait for another second and kept calling. UntilโฆSomeone finally answered, and a familiar voice sounded. Alexander suddenly felt like a deflated balloon and almost went limp.โHello?โ Lilyโs gentle voice had a sense of bewilderment. โWhat happened?โShe saw her phone vibrating non-stop when she returned to her resting place. She grew even more puzzled seeing Alexanderโs number because he had never called her repeatedly like this before.โAre youโฆ feeling any discomfort?โ Alexander said hesitantly. He was anxious but did not want to act too nervous, affecting her mood.โNo,โ Lily said, puzzled, โWhatโs going on?โAlexander pursed his
Alexander felt much more relieved after hearing Lilyโs confident response, even if it was only meant to comfort him. He felt less anxious and chuckled before imitating her tone, saying, โI know my body well.โLily was speechless.โHow are you over there?โ Alexander changed the subject.โThings are going well.โ She loosened her hair and shook her head to stretch her neck. She palmed it, looked up, and glanced around before saying blandly, โI can return to you and Galen once I complete the task here. You guysโฆ just be careful.โAlexander knew the organization monitored her, and it was sometimes inconvenient for her to talk, so he did not ask why she said that.โIโll take care of things here, so donโt worry too much. If you experience discomfort, you must tell me, okay?โ After a pause, he suddenly sounded much more relaxed. โBut I think youโre not infected either.โLily was surprised.โIf you are, wouldnโt everyone there be infected as well? Since theyโve created it, they wouldnโt
โYou know you do!โ Alexander pulled Austin back forcefully, causing him to lurch due to inertia.Austin was in a momentary daze as he staggered to a stop.Alexander looked at him solemnly. โNow the situation is unclear, and not even Dominic knows what the hell these symbiotes are. Youโll only worsen things by being so reckless.โYou especially mustnโt wander around because youโre the source. Your family and the servants might not truly be infected and could be displaying symptoms of other diseases. Therefore, you could play right into the organizationโs hands if you recklessly go out there to pick up your family, okay?โHis words got through to Austin. Austin cooled down as if a bucket of cold water had poured over him. He opened his mouth. โThenโฆ what should I do?โHe was too anxious. He hated himself and wished he had died in that hellhole when he thought about the torment his parents and grandfather might be facing. Now that Alexander had laid it out for Austin, he thought the
Alexander immediately told his men to carry out his plan while Austin called his family.The latter did not mention the symbiote because it was hard to explain to his family, and he did not want to cause panic. All he said was that there was an unknown disease, and he asked them not to panic nor go anywhere but to recuperate at home as Dominic had started to develop a cure.He also told them Alexanderโs men would deliver daily necessities to them and told them not to go to a hospital. Austin knew the hospitals could not deal with the symbiotes, and they might even spread the disease.After the duo settled some things, it was already dark outside. Alexander made a simple meal, and after feeding Galen, he held his son and sat on the balcony to look at the stars. It had been a while since Alexander sat and peacefully gazed at the starry sky.As they were in the suburbs and no buildings or light sources were around, the stars shone brightly in the clear night sky. The twinkling stars w
Lily spent the entire day at the laboratory and read the document about R10. There was no huge problem; it was more or less the same as the previous experiments regarding its focus on toxins.However, it was interesting that the drug formula included medicine that could enhance oneโs muscles and bones. Although it would not counteract the effects of other ingredients, Lily could not figure out the purpose of its addition.โTheyโre trying to poison someone secretly and simultaneously enhance the muscles and bones? It doesnโt make sense!โOf course, she did not ask about it. She knew they would not tell her if she did, and even if they did tell her, it might not be the truth. She felt what they were trying to do was too bizarre.โThe organization seems to be trying to rule the world as they could use the things they created to control people. Yet they spend so much effort using raw materials to make their creations undetectable.โShe had a hunch there must be a deeper purpose to it.
After finishing what she was doing, Lily turned around and looked at Rhea nonchalantly.Rhea was standing behind her, observing. However, the disdain and disapproval on her face were unmistakable.Lily did not care. She smiled lightly and continued, "Don't you know that every failure looks the same but is actually different? You might think the steps are the same, but as a matter of fact, even a subtle difference will cause a significant change in results."After a pause, she added, "It's no wonder you keep failing even after doing so many experiments."This sentence was like salt to Rhea's wounds. Her expression changed immediately. She always thought highly of herself, while others praised her, from her studies to her work ethic. It was not until entering participating in this project that she constantly felt frustrated.She also did not know much about raw materials.Rhea had never liked perfumes or fragrances, so she had never studied or even wanted to fiddle with them. Now,
"Shut the f*ck up!" Lily spat coldly, "I know how cold-blooded you are, but even if you don't care that you'll go to hell, you should still show some respect for your parentsโ sake."Now, Rhea felt even more shaken. She held her face and stared at Lily bitterly, clenching her teeth but not daring to say another word. She knew she did not have the skills to beat Lily.She sneered. "I don't know how good of a person you've been, but since you're doing this experiment, aren't you just like me? Let's see who gets their retribution faster!"After hearing this, Lily suddenly thought of something and asked, "Do you know what happened to Austin?"Rhea was shocked for a moment before laughing again. Her complacent smile was still apparent on her face. "What's with it? Is it happening already?"Lily felt even more convinced that Rhea knew what was happening. It was even possible that she made this symbiote."It's just symbiotes, so what if anything is happening?" Lily muttered disapproving
Rhea looked at Lilyโs indifferent expression and genuinely could not tell whether or not what she said was true."Rhea, enough with your arrogance," Lily dropped her smile, hoping Rhea could reflect on herself."You're the arrogant one!" However, Rhea did not listen and narrowed her eyes slightly. "Lily Christian, I can't wait to see what will happen to you!"With that, she turned and left the laboratory.Lily's eyes became colder as she watched Rhea leave.Rhea was right. Lily was just pulling her leg.Based on what Alexander had said on the phone, Lily did not even know what kind of symbiote was in Austin's body and how it spread, let alone how to cure it. But since Rhea knew about it, she must know what symbiote it was and how to dispel it.From what she had inadvertently revealed just now, the symbiote was probably not from West Virho but from abroad. It was undoubtedly correct to start with ancient medical books. Still, they might also need to combine it with some foreign k
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