"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 couldn't have brought you back?"

"Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip if I choose to ignore him for my three children? Besides," she continued without waiting for Yasmin's reply, "Nick still has a father who's willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you—yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman—however, don't forget his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. He might spread information that could affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation."

The queen, exasperated, could not retort.

Lily, noticing this, said casually, "Don't be angry. I'm not here to upset you. I'm back because I want things to develop in the best possible direction. Although the public doesn't know you're in Hyderland, do you think our government hasn't found out? After all, you've stayed for quite some time."

The queen was alarmed.

Lily continued, "They simply haven't taken action out of courtesy. What do you think will happen if you continue staying here and imposing your will? Besides, don't you care about your country anymore?"

"Enough. What are you trying to say?" Yasmin took a deep breath and said impatiently. "Do you want me to stop the R10 experiment?"

"You won't," Lily shook her head. "You've poured too much effort into it for too long. I doubt you'll give it up."

"I'm glad you know that," Yasmin said after a pause. "If you help me complete the experiment, I'll do my best to fulfill all your other requests."

The queen was willing to compromise on matters unrelated to the R10 experiment to appease Lily. Otherwise, she would have killed Lily long ago.

"Then free the boy," Lily said tentatively, cocking her head.

Yasmin stiffened. "You know he's part of the experiment."

Yasmin sneered. "Well, so have you." She could no longer trust anyone after being betrayed by so many people. Besides, she had learned that maintaining loyalty at her age was challenging.