The โbossโ and the organization focused on Lily, causing Rhea to live in someone elseโs shadow again.โWhy must I always live in other peopleโs shadows? Iโve worked so hard, and Iโm one of the brightest people around. Why wonโt the organization pay attention to me?โAlexander looked at Rhea intensely and sighed, โHow would you like me to help you?โRhea looked surprised upon hearing his softened tone. She answered, โItโs as simple as taking me to the organization. I know you mustโve found and contacted them. If you help me contact them, you can leave the rest to me.โโYou seriously donโt know whoโs behind the organization?โ Alexander looked at her suspiciously, unsure if she was feigning ignorance.โI know that a formidable entity backs them, butโฆโ Rhea did not finish her sentence because that was all she knew. If she knew, she would have approached the entity long ago.Although the โbossโ told her nothing, she used his body for her experiments. Ultimately, he suffered from vario
Alexander added, โRheaโs extremely cunning, and her words are dubious. However, not everything she says is false.โโArenโt you stating the obvious?โ Mike stopped and gazed after Alexander.The latter stopped and turned to say, โBut I know someone who might be able to tell if sheโs speaking the truth.โMike was surprised.โฆAs efficient as Alexander was, he soon fetched Austin, who had been busy helping Dr. Blanc with his research. Although it had only been a few days, Austin had lost plenty of weight and developed dark circles under his eyes.Still, he seemed unusually spirited, and an air of confidence surrounded him."Did you have lunch yet?" Austin asked before Mike, who was approaching, could even offer to lead him to see Rhea.Taken aback, Mike said, โN-No, not yet.โโThen letโs eat. Iโm starving!โ Austin said as he strode inside the house. Mike was dumbfounded. He looked at Alexander, but the latter did not object.Then Mike turned around and chased after Austin, aski
โHey, arenโt you guys even a bit anxious?โ Mike could not believe how calm Alexander and Austin were.โIf it were up to me, I wouldโve gone to see Rhea immediately! We can consider handing her to the organization to make a deal if she isnโt lying. At least weโre trying a new approach, right?โMike had thought about it repeatedly for the past two days but could not devise a better solution.Alexander said he had an idea and brought Austin along, yet the duo seemed to be taking their time, which frustrated Mike.โSome things require patience. Sometimes we just have to wait.โ Alexander approached and patted Mikeโs shoulder. โJust chill out, all right?โMike was speechless.โI donโt want to chill out, damn it!โMeanwhile, Austin was in a deep sleep. However, he woke up half an hour later and glanced at the wall clock. โItโs about time.โMike was crouching aside with his cheeks in his hands when he looked up in confusion. โHuh?โโItโs time. Come on.โ Austin got up and straightened
Austin looked angry, but only for a moment.Suddenly, Rhea teased, โWhy so upset? Is the virus inside you giving you mood swings?โAustin no longer allowed Rhea to mock him. After all, she had become the prisoner this time, and he did not care about what she said.Rhea snorted dismissively after seeing Austin unfazed.However, she seemed to realize something two seconds later and narrowed her eyes, saying, โThey called you here toโฆโโIt looks like the virus hasnโt affected your brain yet.โ Austin approached and stood before her.โFuck off! I donโt need you to examine me.โ Rhea realized Alexander must have asked Austin to examine her to see if she was lying about experimenting on herself.Alexander and Mike were laymen in medicine, not to mention research work. However, Austin differed because he had worked as a physician for many years and spent countless hours in the laboratory, where the organization had treated him as s test subject.He would be the perfect person to examine
โSheโs a sick, ruthless murderer who uses chemicals and viruses as weapons.โWith that thought in mind, Austin approached Rhea and grabbed her wrist to take her pulse. Rhea was surprised and struggled, yelling, โGet your hand off me!โShe was relentless despite his firm grip. Since she continued to struggle, Austin could not focus on taking her pulse.At that moment, Mike, who had been waiting outside, rushed in and held Rhea down. โStay still!โโMike?โ Rhea chuckled coldly upon seeing him. โI knew you were here too, you spineless piece of shit! You donโt have the guts to stand up to the organization, so you cling to Lilyโs husband for protection.โIf your son finds out what kind of sorry-ass loser you are, I bet heโd rather be dead!โโWhat did you say?!โ Mike was outraged. He would not care if she insulted him, but cursing his son was unacceptable.โI said your sonโโBefore she could finish, Mike grasped her neck with both hands. He wanted to choke her to death instead of hold
โDo you need to do it again to make sure?โ Alexander ignored Mike and looked at Austin. Austin glanced at the unconscious Rhea and gently shook his head. โNo.โSince he said so, Alexander then turned and headed out. Austin followed closely after.Meanwhile, Mike glanced after them and then at Rhea before chasing after the two. The trio returned to the living room and felt like what happened just now was a dream. Nothing much had changed, yet everything was somewhat different now.Mike became listless, like a lost soul. He tried hard not to think about his son over the past few days, but when Rhea mentioned Nick, he could not control his emotions. The boy was his Achilles' heel. What terrified him more was his growing lack of confidence.โDo you know what kind of virus is inside her body?โ Alexander poured Mike a glass of cold water and handed him a wet towel to help him calm down.Austin shook his head. โThe viruses from the lab are more complex, so I canโt be sure for now.
Austin wondered why Rhea would want to put the virus into herself if the experimentโs purpose was to put people under control.โWell, that might not be,โ After some thought, Austin said, โRheaโs condition is more similar, yet also different to mine.โAlexander and Mike remained quiet. The latter left the cold towel around his neck and continued to hold his cold water as if it would calm him down. The duo waited for Austinโs further explanation.โSimply put, the virus inside her body acts as a catalyst for accelerating cell division and growth. It causes her cells to undergo faster metabolism.โโYouโre sayingโฆโ Mike said hoarsely, โWill her body rapidly swell like you experienced before? It might even split apart?โ Austin cleared his throat. Although he was sick and not in a clear state of mind, he later saw the surveillance footage from Dominicโs house. Those days were not only torturous for him but also shameful. Just the thought of him running around in the yard and leaping o
Alexander felt awful when he said that. He had never considered the concept of using humans as vessels.โHow can they disregard Lilyโs life and treat her as a container for a new soul?โAlexander had never told anyone about it, but even a cool-headed person like him had several nightmares about it. In one of them, he saw a woman who looked identical to Lily. He called her name, but she ignored him.Shortly after, she slowly turned to him with a creepy smile. She tugged his arm and shouted like a maniac, โIโm your fucking wife! Donโt you know me?!โโNo! Youโre not! Where the hell is Lily? Return her to me!โ Alexander jerked awake as he screamed, his back covered in sweat.It was dark outside, and he found the bed cold and empty without his wife. It made him panic as if he was about to lose her.โYes, as a vessel, but Rhea has always envied that.โ โWhat?โ Austinโs jaw dropped, dumbfounded. โRhea envies being a living dead?โHe palmed his open mouth and looked at Alexander. Howev
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