โThis man fathers her, but Iโm notโฆweโre not siblings.โ Nathaniel pointed at his own nose and snorted. โBesides, a score needs to be settled even with a sibling, let alone her.โโEven if the same man doesnโt father you, youโre both my children. Canโt you work with her for my sake?โ The last thing Eloise wished to see was her children hurting each other. โBesides, you wonโt gain company control by setting Ari up. Donโt forget youโre not a member of the Tanner family. Itโs not going to be easy for you.โNathaniel felt upset yet chuckled. โSee? Even you treat me as an outsider. Why should I bother to work with Arianna? Also, Tanner Corporation is going to change its name soon.โโIn your f*cking dreams!โ Barely recovering, Joseph cursed. Nathaniel shot him a frigid glance and laughed, seeing him lying there, unable to get up. โSay whatever you like. You, all of you, will witness it soon.โโWhat are you trying to do?โEloise seemed to have thought of something and added, โPerhaps you
Joseph grew agitated when he discovered what Nathaniel had done with Damian. โYouโฆ What did you do to Damian?โโTsk! Tsk!โ Nathaniel chuckled. โSo your son is more important to you after all. Havenโt I told you? Theyโll be all right if you do as I say.โNathaniel had Arianna to thank for nurturing such a good group of henchmen. Her mistake was assuming they would stay loyal to her, not knowing that most people were merely motivated by self-interest. As long as someone served their interest, it did not matter who they worked for.Tanner Corporation changed leadership almost overnight. Nobody thought the internal struggle within the Tanner family was so intense. While the competing higher-ups wondered which side to choose, Nathaniel had successfully claimed the company's helm.He had not only garnered the support of many small shareholders, but he also produced a declaration of transfer of shares stamped with both the personal and company seals that were authenticated to be Derrick T
Alexander desired his wife, so he kissed her lips before she could finish her sentence.Lily had been so busy that they had not made love for quite some days. Seeing her returning home tired every day, he felt sorry for her and could not bear to disturb her. Now, seeing her so spirited and energetic, he could hardly hold back his desires for her.โAlex, donโtโฆ Iโm already lateโฆโOne could almost feel the heat in the air as the two made passionate love. As for the flight, no one gave a d*mn about it. After some time, Lily rolled over. She knew she had to get up but was so sore all over that she could hardly move.A hand reached over from behind her, slid down to her waist, and moved to the front. Lily was not in the mood and wanted to take Alexanderโs hand off but felt his palm stay on her belly to give it a gentle massage.She shuddered and let him continue.โNow I am 100% missing my flight,โ Lily let out a helpless sigh.Alexander moved closer, spooned her from behind, and aske
Arianna never expected to suffer defeat at the hands of such a person. She thought she had everything under control and figured her only hurdle would be her uncle. However, she did not realize one of her henchmen would ultimately betray her.Eloise looked as if she had aged ten years as she sat across the table, with gray hair showing on two sides. โAriโฆโ Her eyes were reddish and still swollen. She had never looked so miserable. โAre you happy seeing me like this?โ Arianna curled her dried lips. โNow you can depend on your precious son to give you a life of comfort, huh? Youโre just like dad. All you guys care about are your sons. Why bother to give birth to me, then?โShe chuckled. โI was so stupid and naive to think you were sincere in helping me.โโAri, please, I never knew about Nateโs plan, and he had kept me in the dark. Please believe me!โ Eloise said hurriedly, distressed by the disappointed look Arianna gave her. Although it did not matter to her whether Arianna or Nat
Eloise sighed and interjected, โYour uncle is in Nateโs hands too.โ"What?!โ Arianna was stunned as she looked over her shoulder. She thought about it and shook her head. โNo, it canโt be.โโItโs real, and Nate admitted it himself. Not just Derrick, but also that woman and her b*stard son. Now the company is his and has undergone an upheaval. I-I donโt even know what to say.โAlthough she had not joined Tanner Corporation, she witnessed its daily growth. With her son taking it over, she felt mixed emotions now that it no longer belonged to the Tanner family.โNo.โ Arianna shook her head and became pensive. โWhat happened at the hospital made me realize that Uncle Derrick is not an easily manipulated person. If he could patiently set up the trap and pretend to be sick with Aunt Stephanieโs help, how could an outsider take him hostage and take over Tanner Corporation so easily?โIf even Arianna had failed despite various attempts, could Nathaniel succeed just like that? She felt it
Damian looked at his father and became slightly agitated because he had not seen him for many days. More importantly, it had been a difficult period for Damian. โDadโฆโJoseph wanted to scold him, but he noticed how much weight his son had lost. He heaved a sigh and sat down. โWhere have you been the last few days?โโI got kidnapped by Nathaniel Hall.โโSo it really was him!โ Joseph sighed again. He had expected it, but he still got upset hearing the answer.โThat man is truly a wolf in sheepโs clothing!โKnowing his track record, Joseph was unhappy when Arianna brought this man into the company, but he did not think much about it then.He almost bought the rumor about Arianna having an intimate relationship with the man. Still, considering her preference for men, Joseph knew it was unlikely she would fall for someone like Nathaniel. After Arianna became engaged with Noah Richards, he grew more certain of it.Yet, he had never expected that Nathaniel was a son Eloise had given bi
โHeโs in control, my a*s!โ Joseph snorted. โTanner Corporation has been around for years. Thereโs no way that every employee would take him seriously, especially the old-timers. Once I give my orders at the right time, I can still take the company back!โElizabeth brightened hearing this, but she did not feel convinced after giving it some thought. โAre you sure? Youโve failed to seize Tanner Corporation after so many years, so how can you get it back now itโs in that manโs hands?โโItโs different now. My brother was still around back then.โโBut your brother isnโt now?โโHeโs gone missing, probably kidnapped by Nathaniel. Yes, we have to report this to the police!โ He grew convinced that his plan could work. โDamian, get ready to go to the police station. Wait, no, we should think through what weโll say before we leave.โElizabeth noticed Josephโs manic expression and asked, slightly worried, โAre you all right?โโIโm fine! I just got an idea. Damian, you tell the cops that you
Behind a massive desk in the Tanner Corporation Building was a near-transparent glass wallโwiped so clean that it looked nearly transparent,allowing light to shine through freely.He looked beyond the glass and took in the sprawling city landscape, thinking this was the pinnacle of his life and that he deserved to work there.Nathaniel was holding a wine glass with its red liquid swirling inside. Its color was bright and compelling. He recalled the past few months with a slight smile as if what happened was only a dream.He thought he could build a career through his own efforts and become somebody that people would look up to, but his company went bankrupt, and he had to dodge his creditors like a complete loser.Arianna then took him in and brought him into the company. He knew she was just using him and would cut him loose when she obtained her goal, so he had long prepared for his game plan.Each thought he or she was the mastermind, not knowing they were all Nathanielโs pawns
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