Chapter 1110

The moment had arrived. Lily finally voiced the words she had long held within.

"Enough," she declared. "There's no need to spare my feelings. This isn't a coincidence. I want to know: is the secret handbook still in your possession?"

Ralph claimed Alexander had set a trap, the handbook a forgery. But why hadn't he fallen for it? Why allow the theft of a fake handbook and simply ignore it? Could there be more surprises in store?

"Grandma, I honestly don't know much about the secret handbook," Lily replied. "Why don't you wait for Alexander to return and ask him yourself?"

Margaret's forthrightness left Lily uncertain. Would Margaret believe the truth? Was this visit solely about Ralph, or was there another motive? Lily remained wary, neither overly harsh nor entirely trusting. After all, Margaret had long favored her son while remaining strict with her grandson.

"Fine," Margaret conceded. "I won't press you if you don't wish to discuss it. What happened before was my fault. As for your marriage, I won't interfere. Your happiness is all that matters. I'm old; I can't worry so much anymore." She patted the back of her hand lightly.

Margaret appeared suddenly much older. Though always well-maintained and energetic, Lily now perceived a deep-seated exhaustion.

"Grandma, what's wrong?" Lily asked tentatively, sensing unspoken words.

"I'm fine," Margaret insisted. "It's late; I should go." She glanced at the wall clock.

"So soon?" Lily exclaimed, surprised by the abrupt departure. They had barely spoken.

Margaret nodded. "I said what I needed to say. Oh, and could you... attend the family gathering on Saturday?"

"Me?" Lily knew of the gathering, but Alexander always prevented her attendance. His intention was clear: to shield her from complications. His protectiveness was absolute.

"I'd be happy if you could come," Margaret offered gently. "But it's perfectly alright if you can't."

Her tolerance and kindness were unlike anything Lily had witnessed before. It was unsettling; almost as if she were dealing with an imposter.

"Okay, I'll think about it," Lily replied, neither accepting nor declining.

Margaret gave her a searching look before smiling and leaving. Lily was left pondering as she watched her go.

Alexander returned anxiously, hurrying through the door to find Lily lying on the sofa, eyes half-closed.

His heart pounded. Was she asleep? Or had she fainted? He rushed to her side. "Lily, Lily! Are you alright?"

"Huh? You're back?" Lily mumbled, having drifted off unexpectedly after attempting a short nap. Alexander's voice startled her awake. "What did Grandma say? Don't worry about it!"

Lily glared at him, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "Am I that weak?"

"Grandma left?" Alexander observed the absence of her car and surmised her departure, yet remained puzzled by her visit's purpose.

"Yes," Lily confirmed, recounting their conversation and concluding, "What did she mean by all that?"