"Mike...Corden," the man added.

Yasmin repeated the name softly, finding it vaguely familiar. The guard asked, "Your Majesty, should I dismiss him?" She waved dismissively. "No, let Rhea see him." Hesitantly, the guard obeyed. Yasmin muttered, "What in the world is Rhea up to?"

Mike discreetly surveyed his surroundings in the reception room, despite having been there before. He gently stroked his phone while waiting. After a while, footsteps announced Rhea's arrival. Surprised to see him, she narrowed her eyes. "Didn't I tell you to come at night?" She wouldn't have time to meet him were it not for recent events, yet she was puzzled by the guards' acquiescence. Only Fred knew about her meetings with Mike.

Does the queen know? If so, why didn't she question me? Is she testing me?

Rhea sat beside Mike. "Where's the formula?"

"It's on my phone. I can transfer it, but I'd like to know how Lily's doing," Mike said, placing his phone face down on the table, attempting to negotiate.

Rhea was taken aback. "Lily?"

"Yes."

Seeing his nod, Rhea chuckled. "I thought you'd ask about your precious son. Given up on finding him? Why would you care about someone else's wife?" Rhea's irritation was evident. She disliked Mike but resented the outpouring of concern for Lily.

After a moment's hesitation, Mike asked, "Is she... still alive?"

"Why do you care? Do you even remember who you are?" Rhea eyed him suspiciously, sensing something was wrong.

Why would he ask that if he's still hypnotized? And he's trying to get information from me instead of giving me the formula. Something's not right!

Mike stared at her. "I'm Mike Corden."