Alexander was discussing a plan with Austin and Mike in the living room when he heard a car screech to a stop in the middle of his yard. Alexander was surprised even though he knew it was Dominic.โWhat happened?โ Austin looked at the car. โWhyโs Uncle Dom back so soon?โโLetโs check it out,โ Alexander said gravely, removing his hands from the table and striding toward the yard. As the car door opened, Alexander hurried over to support Dominic, only to learn it was not the old man who exited the car.โAlex!โ Lily looked at her husband gently. Although she had many things to tell him, his name was all she could utter at that moment.Alexander halted, wondering if he was dreaming.โIโm back.โ Lily took a deep breath and intended to grin, but her eyes grew teary instead.Alexander marched over and embraced her. As he felt her warmth, he knew she was real and that he was not dreaming. He became teary-eyed as he spoke with a quivering voice, โY-Youโre back. Youโre finally back!โโI a
This time, Mike did not break down in tears like he used to. Instead, he was disturbingly calm.โIโm sorry, Mike,โ Lily did not know what else to say.Mike grunted and turned to head inside. Although he did not blame Lily, it still made her feel miserable.Alexander wrapped his arm around his wifeโs shoulder and said, โItโs not your fault.โLily looked over her shoulder and nodded. She knew she had tried her best but could not help but feel guilty.Once inside, the living room was unusually silent. No one babbled in joy despite the reunion. A while later, Mike broke the silence, saying, โCongrats on regaining your freedom, Lily.โLily smiled embarrassedly. โThanks.โMike asked, โHowโd you escape? Or did they let you go?โEveryone else wanted to ask those questions but hesitated in his presence. Since he had asked first, the others felt relieved. One of them asked, โYeah, howโd you get out?โ"Prince Ross helped me escape," Lily said solemnly. "His Highness?!" Austin was shock
Everyone focused on Austin, but no one answered the call after it rang for a long while. Finally, he hung up and frowned. "No oneโs answering.""Perhaps he didn't hear it ring. Try again," Dominic urged."Actually, I wanted to say that he probably can't answer his phone now," Lily said.It was pointless to try again because Ross was likely to be detained now.Austin asked, "Are you saying he's been arrested?"Lily nodded, "Well, think about it. How could Queen Yasmin forgive him for helping me escape even though heโs her son? We all know how ruthless she can be."The others nodded. The queen was not just ruthless but was also very stubborn. Therefore, she would have detained Ross for what he did, let alone confiscating his phone.Austin sighed helplessly. โIf thatโs the case, we have no one to contact in the embassy now.โโWasnโt Dominic planning to go there?โ Mike asked, not giving up. โIf he hadnโt bumped into Lily, he wouldโve been inside by now. We should stick to the initi
โIn any case, I'll rescue my son my way. If it works, please send him back to his mom in Westwood. Although she's unreliable, she's still his mother. Besides, I've arranged for someone to look after him his whole life. Ifโฆ if I fail, at least I've done what a father should by dying with him.โMike spoke with a faint smile as if he was seeing his son. However, the others thought he looked creepy. He looked like he had decided to die.โMike, what are you doing? Are you planning to take them down with you? Even so, you still might fail to rescue Nicky,โ Lily said despite herself.Mike nodded. "I know I canโt fight the Yudonian government all alone, but I'm willing to risk my life. As I said, I don't care even if I fail. It beats waiting here and doing nothing."The wait was too much for him to bear, and he did not want to wait any longer. The truth was he had secretly made his arrangements long ago, and he decided to implement his plan if Dominic failed. If not for the change of pla
"You're crazy! Even if you can rescue Nicky, you'll be arrested!" Austin said. "Or do you plan not to return to Hyderland ever again?""Why not?" Mike was not hesitant at all. "It doesn't matter where I go as long as I can keep my son safe.""I'll go with you then," Lily suddenly said.Everyone was shocked, including Mike. "You?" Mike caught himself and shook his head. "No, I don't need you. As I said, what I do has nothing to do with you guys. Just pretend you didn't hear what I said." He knew many people would get into trouble if he failed, but he was eager to save his son. The only way he would not implicate the others was by asking them to feign ignorance. "Don't be silly!" Lily approached Mike and patted his shoulder, saying, "How can you shoulder this alone? You all helped Alex rescue me and my children, didn't you? Besides, even if you have firearms and know the embassyโs layout, do you know where Nicky is?"Do you know there are secret passages? Do you know how many g
Mike choked up, saying, "No, you've helped enough. I wouldnโt even know where Nicky is if it weren't for you. I know how difficult it is to rescue him, so I don't blame you guys. I know I'm impatient, and I've lost my temper before, but I know it's not your fault."Mike would only blame the experiment and Fred. The fact that anyone would believe in such inhumane research was mind-boggling to him. "I don't expect Queen Yasmin to change her mind,โ Lily said, "I've even tried to threaten her, but it didn't work."Dominic leaned into his chair and gently rocked in it, adding, โAs I said, sheโs obsessed with the experiment. Unless we can make her die onceโฆโEveryone else stared at him. "What?" Wasn't he just talking about hypnosis?"Hey, what are you staring at me for? Lily had used it before. Ask her about it!" Dominic pointed his chin at his student. Lily caught on. "You're talking about simulated death?"The old man shook his head and said half-jokingly, "If the old gal truly
"You're not considering going back, are you?" Alexander looked at Lily, concerned. She smiled. "You know me best."Not just Alexander but everyone exclaimed in unison, โYou shouldnโt! Mike said, "I'm worried about Nicky, but you just escaped. How can we let you go back to that hellhole?" He shook his head firmly. "No, I can't let you risk your life just because I want to rescue my son.""Don't say like that. It's not like I'm surely going to die," Lily said nonchalantly with a faint smile. "But you're taking too much of a risk!" Mike shook his head with a frown. "If anyone has to die, it should be me, no one else!"He could die for his son, but there was no reason for others to sacrifice their lives. Lily sighed and said, "I know what I'm doing. Besides, do you think I'll be safe if I don't go back? Will Queen Yasmin spare me? Iโll never be safe unless she gives up on the experiment.""Sheโs right," Dominic said, "When the old gal does, we don't have to rescue your son beca
Lily had never wanted to save the world or mankind, nor did she think she could. She had learned medicine and perfumery purely out of interest, while her grandfather had forced her to learn kickboxing.Lily never harbored any grand ambitions, yet destiny had led her on such a path.Alexander said solemnly, โWhat do you plan to do after going back there?โInstead of objecting, he wanted to know her plans. Deep down, he knew she was right, even though he did not want to let her go. He also knew they had to face the issue together instead of avoiding it.โI could try forcing her to stay, but as she said, would she be safe? Is my wife supposed to live in hiding until the queen passes away? Even if the queen did, someone else would proceed with the experiment.โIn short, avoiding the problem would not solve anything.Alexander knew Lily well. That was why he still tried to think logically and calmly, even though he was reluctant.Lily said simply, โI told Queen Yasmin Iโd conduct ano
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