Lily knew Fred was right; a stalemate would only endanger her and her children. Fred refused to yield, and his men might fire if the standoff continued. Still, she hesitated. "Since I broke your arm, what if you hurt my children after I release you?"

"Believe me, I wanted to," Fred said, nodding, his breath catching in pained gasps, his eyes blazing with hatred. "But it wouldn't help. You'd gladly get hurt to get back at me if I touched your children."

After a pause, he gritted out, "Don't worry. I promise not to harm your children. We'll settle this later, but not now, alright?"

Lily couldn't trust his word. She pulled him close, gripping his cheeks and forcing his mouth open. Before he could speak, she shoved something into his mouth, and he swallowed. She pushed him away.

Guards immediately lunged to restrain her. Lily didn't resist, watching as Fred frantically tried to induce vomiting. He shouted, "What did you give me?!"

"Poison," Lily shrugged. "It dissolves on contact with water. Your stomach acid has likely already neutralized it. Even if you vomit, it won't matter. But feel free to try."

Her indifference enraged Fred. He snatched a pistol from a guard and pointed it at her. Lily remained unmoved. "You know what I'm capable of, and I'm the only one who can neutralize the poison. Feel free to kill me if you doubt me."

Her cold gaze further provoked him. He tightened his grip on the pistol, but she knew he wouldn't shoot.

"You bitch!" Fred trembled.

"I'll help you if you keep my children safe. But if you don't fear dying, then so be it. I'll die soon anyway." It was her only way to ensure her babies' safety. Fred snapped, "Why should I believe you?!"

Lily smiled faintly. "I can ask you the same."

Fred clenched his teeth. "Fine! When will you give me the antidote?"

"When you release my children." Lily smiled, anticipating his thoughts. "Of course, you can always try finding someone else to make an antidote."