Alexander playfully glared at Galen, but the latter giggled and clung tighter to his mother. Olivia and Edward chuckled at the scene, though they felt the moment would have been more joyful without the looming experiment.

After some time with her children, Lily instructed the others to take them to their rooms. She then sat down, cleared her throat, and addressed everyone. "Since I'm most familiar with the situation, I'm the most likely to gain Queen Yasmin's trust. Old man," she said, addressing Dominic, "you shouldn't go; it's pointless. I've heard the plan, but even if we prove the experiment will fail, she'll simply dismiss it as a dream, a scheme. We would have solved this long ago if changing her mind were that easy."

Dominic's silence spoke volumes; his agreement was evident in his eyes. He had considered failure when proposing the idea, but hadn't fully thought it through, pressured by the dwindling time.

Lily continued, "Therefore, I believe the most viable method is a drug inducing a state of simulated death. Only by experiencing death will she see it's not so frightening. I know it's risky, and I'm not sure she still trusts me, especially after today. She's even detained her own son. I can only try my best," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. The unspoken implication of potential non-return hung heavy in the air.

Olivia nervously took Edward's hand. "Must you go, Lily?" she asked.

"I have to," Lily replied. The circumstances forced her to discuss this in Olivia's presence, a conversation she would have preferred to avoid otherwise. After a pause, she added, "There are unfinished experiments in the studio I may not complete. When you have time, start packing; perhaps we can sell the place. We may not need it anymore."

"Don't be silly!" Olivia's eyes welled. "How can we not need it? Don't tell me you're disbanding the studio! What about me? I have a child to raise. You have to come back!"

Lily smiled. "I only said might close the studio. I didn't say I wouldn't return. Perhaps I can start a new career."

Olivia knew Lily was trying to reassure her. "I'll join you in your new career. You can't get rid of me that easily. I want you to be my boss forever."

Lily rubbed her brow, looking troubled. "You're putting a lot of pressure on me, you know."

Alexander gently wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Not just that," he said softly. "Our children will be waiting for you. Dominic and I need you, too. Just know that I'll always be here for you." He squeezed her shoulder.

Lily nodded gratefully.

Suddenly, Austin slammed his fist on the sofa. "I don't understand! Why must we handle this alone? Can't our government do something?!"

Lily was about to respond when a voice from outside the door interrupted, "Who says the government isn't doing anything?"