"How can I die just like that? How can I undergo an experiment we can't even prove will work?"

Fred knew the success rate was low, and he only dared to proceed because he wasn't the test subject. Now that he was, he would never have agreed.

"It's okay. I was just asking for fun," the queen smiled, correctly anticipating his response. She waved. "Let's begin now."

Someone seized Fred and dragged him toward the operating table.

"No! No!" Fred shrieked. "You can't do this to me, Your Majesty! The experiment still needs me! You still need me!"

The queen sneered. "You acted so differently when I was the test subject. Why? Is the experiment scary? Didn't you claim the success rate was high and there would be no risks? What are you afraid of now?" She spoke coldly, turning to the person holding Nick. "Hurry up!"

Nick was brought to another operating table. A guard pinned Fred to his, while a surgeon prepared the drug. Fred's eyes widened as the surgeon primed the syringe. He finally realized the queen had used the experts he had hired. She had completely outsmarted him.

"No, you can't do this to me... Your Majesty!" Struggling, Fred looked desperately at Rhea, who could only stand by, pale and self-absorbed. She only cared about saving herself.

"Your Majesty, the prince… Prince Ross is under my control!" Remembering Ross, Fred blurted, "He's in Hyderland's remote mountains. If I die, no one will know where he is, and it'll be impossible for you to find him. He won't even be himself if you do find him. Don't you want your son anymore?!" He shouted, desperately bargaining for his life.

"You're talking about Ross?" the queen asked blandly.

"Yes, Prince Ross!" Fred gasped. "He's gone to the remote mountains in Hyderland to save you. He probably can't even get a phone signal—"

"He's fine!" the queen interrupted, smiling. "Even if he's not, I'll remember him for what he did for me. Just as I'll remember what you're doing for me."

Impatient, she addressed the surgeons. "What are you waiting for? Begin!" Her excitement was barely contained.

Meanwhile, Lily realized the queen had manipulated her too, revealing her selfish and ugly nature in the face of temptation.