The man on the TV screen attracted Ariannaโs focus, not because of how charming he looked or because of his audacity to retort to Lily. It was because he dared to say such a thing with so many people around, including Alexander.He was either too bold or confident that he was powerful enough not to fear Alexander. โThat guyโฆ Isnโt heโฆโ Eloise narrowed her eyes, trailing off. The man on TV looked familiar to her. After all, she was a socialite with a broad network of connections. Just before she retired from acting, she got to know many people.When she married Joseph, she had her own circle of friends consisting of the wives of wealthy men, besides the people from the business industry whom she got in touch with from time to time. In comparison, she had met more people than Arianna ever did.โMom, do you know that man?โ Arianna excitedly asked when she noticed her mother seemed to recognize the man on the screen.Eloise could not name him right away. โHe looks familiar, and I thi
โNoah Richards, huh? I want that man!โโฆThe woman finally revealed a satisfied smile at the sight of the big and small bags piling up in the room. Joseph leaned forward, hugged her from behind, and left a peck on her cheek. โAre you happy now?โโHmph!โ The woman rolled her eyes. โIt only managed to calm me down.โโOh dear, the one million dollars I used should be enough to do just that. I apologize, but you must know Iโm using Ariโs card. I hope you can see my sincerity.โ Joseph rushed over to coax his sweetheart and finally saw a smile on her face after spending over a million dollars.โSincerity? Iโve been with you for over twenty years. Iโm already going easy on you by quickly forgiving you!โ Elizabeth pursed her lips and poked her finger at his head. โDo you think spending a million dollars on me is enough?โDo you know how much Iโve suffered over the years? I cared for our son independently and agreed to stay by your side. I had to face the criticisms of others and bear get
Ruby City would hold a charity auction twice yearly where most items, ranging from jewelry to antiques, were donated anonymously. There were no restrictions when it came to the auctioned items.On such events, besides people who were here to build a reputation for themselves, some were here to coax their wives or lovers. Elizabeth had her eyes on one of the necklaces a long time ago. It was a tear-drop-shaped sapphire pendant surrounded by many small diamonds, making it look dazzling under the light.After being with Joseph for so many years, she naturally had no shortage of jewelry. However, Elizabeth's eyes burned with jealousy after seeing a big pink diamond necklace on Eloise the one time she attended an event with Joseph.Since then, Elizabeth had been bugging Joseph to get her a more fabulous necklace. Although he agreed, he could not find a suitable one and pushed this matter aside.However, this was a thorn in Elizabeth's heart. If she could not be "Mrs. Tanner," she would
Artwork such as calligraphy, paintings, and vases dominated the front displays. Prices were not prohibitive, so those interested snatched them up quickly. Tonight's final auction item was the sapphire necklace that Elizabeth had her eye on.She wasn't the only one aiming for the necklace, as many socialites were also waiting for it. Everyone wanted to get their hands on that sapphire necklace.The starting price was 200,000 dollars, and bidding increased by 100,000 dollars each time. Although the item didn't start at a high price, countless bids were made, and in the blink of an eye, the necklace was now worth 2.4 million dollars.Nonetheless, Elizabeth was not worried. Before they got there, Joseph had already told her that he prepared six million dollars with him. Therefore, as long as the price did not exceed six million, the necklace would easily be hers without worry!She sipped her wine slowly and looked around with a trace of self-satisfaction on her face. Tonight, she was g
Now, the price of the necklace had exceeded Joseph's budget. Elizabeth glanced at Joseph and saw that he was gently rubbing the bridge of his nose, looking a little troubled. She knew he did not want to spend any more money than this. "6.2 million, calling once, calling twice-" The bid manager waited for no man, and just as he was about to yell again, Elizabeth couldn't bear it and raised her paddle. "7 million!" She did not believe that anyone would follow her that far. The young man seemed to have been stunned and was silent. Just as Elizabeth thought she had won, he called out again, "7.2 million!" Just like before, the young man only raised another 200,000 dollars. At this moment, Elizabeth would love to rush up and fight him.'Is he doing this on purpose?!' However, she had no idea who he was, so why was he trying to go against her?Regardless of whether the necklace was worth that much, she was starting to worry if Joseph would even pay now that it had exceeded the
It was just 10 million dollars. What was 10 million to the Tanner Corporation? She would soon be the mother of its president, and then Elizabeth could have anything she wanted. On the contrary, Joseph did not look as happy as she was.Before going out, he told her the budget should not exceed 6 million. However, she was like a different person once she got there. Elizabeth did not even look at him before calling out a 10 million dollar bid for a worthless necklace without a second thought. Joseph got to his feet with a dark expression. Before he could leave, he was stopped by Elizabeth, who was beaming for the cameras."Congratulations, Mr. Tanner, for buying this necklace at a whopping 10 million dollars. Is it for the lady beside you?" a reporter asked.Elizabeth chimed in before Joseph could even answer. "Of course!" She beamed as if she was the true Mrs. Tanner, completely forgetting her place."Ah, how do I address you, Miss? Are you Mr. Tanner'sโฆ" The reporter trailed o
After rushing home, Elizabeth went berserk and began smashing and tearing everything in the house, including photos of her and Joseph.When Joseph entered the house, a mess met him. "Are you done?""No!" She howled hysterically and began to throw anything she could grab at him. "Get out! Get out! I don't want to see you!"Kicking away the trash on the ground, Joseph walked toward Elizabeth and stood there with a darkened expression. "I know you're angry that I embarrassed you in front of the media, but did you ever think of my reputation when you spoke?""How is it my fault?! How did I ruin your reputation? Did I scold you, trample all over you, or make you look bad in front of the reporters? Did you have to humiliate me like that in front of a crowd?!" Elizabeth trembled with anger. She never thought he would say such things in front of everyone."Yes, although you didn't scold me, you insinuated things." Joseph loosened his tie and crossed his arms angrily. "Did you forget where we w
Elizabeth pouted, shook Josephโs arm, and said softly, โJoseph, I know Iโm also at fault today. It was my first time going to the auction with you, and I got too excited. Besides, youโve never taken me to those places before. I deserve forgiveness for my ignorance, donโt I? Forgive me just this once.โJoseph was still angry when he turned to look at her. Elizabeth was over forty years old, but her face remained beautiful. Her pitiful eyes made his heart soften again. He pinched her cheek, saying, โIโm helpless against you.โWhen Elizabeth heard his weak voice, she knew she had won him over again. She smiled sweetly, hugged his arm, nudged her face on his body, and said, โI know youโre the best! Letโs forget about what happened this time. You canโt blame me anymore!โโWhat should I do with you? Donโt be so unruly next time. You must be obedient and think before you speak!โElizabeth nodded vigorously, โIโll be obedient and listen to you. Joseph, that sapphire necklaceโฆโโWhatโs wro
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