Chapter 1198

After some thought, Lily turned to Chump, her gaze determined. "Okay, I'll be there. Tell Ms. Riggs I'll arrive at 10:00 sharp."

Chump's blank expression softened slightly as he lowered his head. "We'll be expecting you, Mrs. Russell."

"Li—" Alexander began, but Lily stopped him, placing a hand on his arm and shaking her head.

He remained silent until Chump left, then asked, "Why did you agree to meet her? What if she's set a trap, or tries to trick you again? It's best to avoid her tomorrow."

Lily smiled. "If it were the old Heather, it would be difficult, but she's not the same. She poses no threat." Alexander understood Heather was weakened and harmless, but his worry persisted.

"It's easy to deal with someone openly hostile," he countered, "but hidden malice is different. If she hurts you, defending yourself will be difficult. I'll go with you if you insist."

Lily smiled. "If Heather wanted you there, the negotiation wouldn't have ended this way."

"Don't worry," she continued, "I'm not a child anymore. And while I can't fight her troops alone, dealing with a weak, fake Heather is easy."

Alexander remained worried despite her confidence. "But—"

"Here's a compromise," Lily winked, "If anything feels wrong, I'll text you. Then you can bring your people in immediately. How's that?"

Alexander, knowing the futility of arguing, suppressed his concerns. He understood her resolve. He glared at her, dissatisfied. "Since I can't stop you, prioritize your safety. Nothing is more important. Do you understand?"

Lily nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes, sir!"

Meanwhile, Hannah and Ralph remained in the dark basement. Twenty-four hours had passed since their last food or water. Hunger and thirst sapped their energy.

Hannah, accustomed to such punishment, felt numb from her failure. Ralph, however, had always lived comfortably. Though expelled from the Russell family, Hannah's immediate support meant he'd never suffered. Now, after a day of starvation, he was near breaking point.

"Annie… Annie, are you okay?" he asked, nudging her gently.

"Yeah," she replied tersely.

"Annie," his voice trembled, "do you think we'll die here? What if… you apologize to her when she returns? We could apologize, promise never to defy her again, in exchange for our freedom."

Hannah stared at him, stunned. "How could you say that? I won't be her shadow again! Never!"

"But you'll die if you don't!" Ralph retorted.