While Lily was thinking about what to say and if she should ask Alexander, he walked straight toward her. He tapped on his phone several times, put it down, and asked, โHave you heard about Brittany?โLily was shocked. โWhy is he always so direct?โNodding, she said frankly, โIโve heard about Ms. Oakley, but I donโt know her first name.โAlexander waved at Lily and pulled her to sit down. Then he said bluntly, โ "Her name is Brittany, and sheโs Brandon's younger sister. You remember the one who climbed the wall at our house last time and came to mooch food?โ"Oh, that guy!" Lily had an impression of who it was.However, these two were quite funny. One climbed the wall and got electrocuted but still wanted to freeload for a meal, while the other came to bribe but found the wrong person. โNo wonder theyโre siblings. Half of their brain is probably empty.โ"Don't you want to know who she is?" Initially, Alexander wanted to tell Lily the story, but seeing her lack of interest, he fel
โWell, I had other choices, butโฆ" Alexander trailed off.Lily put her hands on Alexanderโs cheeks and tilted her head to look into his eyes. His face, no matter from which angle, was flawless, "Are you sure no other women were head over heels for you?โ Her last sentence was what she thought, and she said it unknowingly.Alexander's eyes sank suddenly. He grabbed her restless hands and pressed her down, "Do you think every woman is as bold as you?"That was true. Indeed, Alexander's conditions were attractive, but only he knew how much he had been through since taking over the family business. In his shoes, he had no time to think about other things.Besides, there was Brittany, who was always happy to drive away the women around him. Although her obsession was tireless, it was better to be bothered by one person than a group of women.Therefore, Alexander never said a word to the ladies Brittany had driven away. They had nothing to do with him anyway. However, the situation was di
Arianna came home after shopping and noticed that only her mother was there. Arianna knew she was explicitly waiting for her."Hi, mom!" She called out smilingly, walked over quickly, and put down the bag in her hand. "I bought two new scarves for Dad, and seeing that the new style looked nice, I bought two for you too. You can try them on to see if you like them." Arianna opened the bag and reached in to remove the scarves."No need for now. Let it go," Eloise said, "Arianna, come here."She motioned for Arianna to sit beside her and ordered the housekeeper to bring over a black truffle cake. Then Eloise waved her hand to signal the other housekeepers to step back. Only she and Arianna remained in the living room.Looking around, Arianna said smilingly, โDo you have something to tell me, mom?โEloise nodded. Her gentle eyes wandered on Ariannaโs face. She raised her hand and gently stroked Ariannaโs hair, "My dear, time flies so fast. You've grown so much.""Well, donโt put it t
"My dear, you know you have a younger brother...""I don't have a brother!" Interrupting her, Arianna said decisively, "Mom, you and Dad have only one kid! Have you forgotten? I don't have a brother!"Eloise was a little tired and gave a faint sigh, "Yes, both you and I donโt want to accept the truth, but your father is determined to bring this son home. What do you think?""It's not the first time Dad wanted to bring them home. If it were that easy, he wouldn't be asking your opinion all the time. Mom, youโre still very important in this family," Arianna turned over and said in a serious tone.Of course, Eloise knew that she was important. If it were not for her importance, Joseph would have divorced her long ago and married that bitch! She kept one blind eye for many years and did not want to make things too extreme. How many men stayed loyal to their wives? As long as he did not go overboard, she could still live well and maintain the stability of life on the surface. Ho
Her words calmed Eloiseโs thoughts. That was true. Why did she want to stop him? Let Joseph welcome that wh*re and her child into the family if he wanted to. Eloise could go through with it, as there was no guarantee that everything would go their way. Even if they agreed, Eloise would make sure they regretted it.โTake a step back. If they really came in, they'd still be under your nose. Theyโll live the rest of their lives with headaches. Good things don't come easy. They should prepare for the worst!" Arianna said what was on her mind.Eloise, very troubled at first, seemed to have an epiphany. She was smart and only needed a little nudge to figure things out by herself. It was only because it was sudden, making her feel bewildered. She looked at Arianna carefully again. The more Eloise stared, the more she felt she had underestimated her daughter. Eloise kept her eyes on her daughter and felt that Arianna was very similar to how capable she was when she was younger.โMy
Lily was mentally prepared but still got a shock when she saw Olivia. There were several scars on her face. Even though she had applied medicine, it was still slightly swollen."Didn't you say that you beat her up?" Lily felt a little embarrassed.Olivia was proud, "Of course! You shouldโve seen me beat her up until she was on the floor! She looked so ugly!"โฆOlivia was triumphant, and when she met Lily's suspicious gaze, she raised her hand to touch her cheek. When she felt the bruises, she subconsciously said, "Tsk!" from the pain.Then Olivia continued, "Hey, it's just a small injury. I accidentally scratched myself. You know, it's inevitable when we're fighting each other, but sheโs much worse off than me, so I still beat her!"Olivia was chuffed as if there was a banner to reward her accomplishment. After all, Brittany had a bit of a social background. The last time, she still had Alexander to back her up, but what if she got into trouble again? "I'm fine," Olivia smile
Lily recalled Alexanderโs words when she mentioned this. He said that he had never had a girlfriend before. She could not help but smile, โThatโs not possible.โโWhy not?! You didnโt see how vicious that woman was.โ Olivia took a step forward as she spoke and lifted a hand like she was holding a purse. She raised her eyebrows and imitated Ariannaโs arrogance, โLet me warn you, break up with him immediately. Not just any woman can marry into the Russell family. Do you honestly think you succeeded in marrying rich? Name your price. How much do you want in exchange for leaving him? Would one million dollars be enough?โOlivia exaggerated Brittany's words with a high-pitch voice and bossy demeanor. It made Lily laugh out loud, โThatโs enough! Do you want me to die laughing?โโItโs true!โ Olivia stomped her feet when she saw Lilyโs disbelief and said, โOh, thatโs right! This stomping action was also hers and not mine!โOlivia continued, โIโve seen a lot of women like you. What you want
Olivia and Lily fell silent as Jenny had misunderstood the entire situation.โWhere did you hear these false rumors from, Jenny? I donโt have any relationship with Mr. Russell,โ Olivia raised both hands, expressing her innocence. Alexanderโs real wife was right beside her, and she dared not take away Lilyโs position.Jenny thought Olivia did not want to admit it. She patted Oliviaโs shoulder with one hand and said, โOh well, you donโt need to keep pretending. There are no outsiders here. The photos clearly showed both of you together. So, do you want to wait until the wedding day before you will tell us the truth?โโPhotos? What photos do you mean?โ Lily suddenly realized something amiss.โItโs all over the newspapers and magazines. It's also everywhere on social media. Did you not read the news?โ Jenny was even more surprised than the duo. How could they not know such shocking news?!The duo shook their heads simultaneously and looked at each other. They were in a bad place and b
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