Chapter 1109

Margaret sat on the sofa, sipping tea, when Lily came downstairs. Lily noticed Margaret seemed tired but not menacing; she didn't seem here for a confrontation.

"Grandma," Lily greeted, approaching Margaret.

"Slow down, dear. You're pregnant now. Take it easy," Margaret cautioned, gesturing towards Lily's belly. "No more jumping around."

Lily smiled, acknowledging Margaret's concern. "I know. Why are you here?"

Margaret set down her teacup. "Is Alex home?"

"He's usually at the company at this time, and he's not back yet. You know that, right, Grandma?" Lily's words subtly questioned Margaret's unannounced visit.

Margaret coughed, a little embarrassed by Lily's implication. She picked up her teacup, taking a sip. "Yes, he should still be at the company. He's just like his grandfather, Hugo. Very diligent, always busy."

A hint of sadness clouded Margaret's eyes; she was remembering her late husband. Lily understood and remained silent.

"Oh dear, why am I talking about this?" Margaret shook off her reverie, smiling at Lily. "Lily, come sit here." She patted the space beside her.

Lily hesitated; this sudden intimacy was unusual. However, sensing Margaret's kindness, she complied. Sitting beside Margaret, she was surprised when Margaret took her hands, placing them in her lap. "I'm sorry, my child."

"What is it, Grandma?" Lily was taken aback.

"You two know why I came last time, right?" Margaret chuckled.

Lily nodded. "Yes. You brought a gift, and lots of other things." This was a partial truth; she omitted the less pleasant aspects of Margaret's previous visit, unsure of Margaret's true intentions.

Margaret laughed, though her throat felt dry. She had initiated this conversation, yet still felt awkward. "Okay, no need to pretend. You know why I was really here. I was covering for Ralph. You lost something, didn't you?" she asked directly.

Lily stammered, unsure how to respond. Margaret's forthrightness was unexpected; had she discovered something, or was this a new tactic? After a moment, Lily nodded. "Yes, we lost something, but it's not important. Just a coincidence, I think. Nothing to do with your visit, Grandma." It was a carefully constructed evasion.