Chapter 1322

Stunned, Lily hadn't expected their meeting. Since he was already inside, she couldn't refuse him in front of her guests, despite having only instructed the maid to admit Anastasia's aunt.

Lips curling, Lily said, "Well, I never expected misfortune to dog me even at home. When one is unlucky, not even one's own home is safe, is it?" Their hostility was immediate.

Although Maria was unaware of their history, she sensed the tension. Initially, she assumed Austin knew Mrs. Russell socially. However, his introduction and the maid's report of Lily's refusal changed her mind. "Now that they've met, they seem ready to quarrel. How bizarre!"

She looked at Austin, who smiled despite his anger, then at Lily. Suddenly, Maria yelped. "Oh, you're... aren't you the woman who splashed Mr. Fike's face with a drink?" Recognizing Lily from the symposium, Maria recalled how Lily's actions had prevented her from speaking to Austin. She didn't know if he'd been angry then, but he'd left quickly. After her exclamation, remembering her location, she clapped a hand over her mouth. Glancing at both of them, Maria understood Austin's earlier expression. "They're not friends, but enemies! Oh, no! Why is Anastasia with Mr. Fike's enemy? If he gets angry and refuses to treat her, all my efforts will be for nothing!"

Clueless, Anastasia asked, "Lily, are you...?" Then, turning to Maria, "Aunt Maria, how do you know Mrs. Russell?" Maria, unfamiliar with Lily, wanted to call her "this woman," but propriety prevented it. If this woman is Mr. Fike's enemy, then courtesy is irrelevant. What matters is the miracle doctor!

"Aunt Maria, why are you here? How do you know where Mrs. Russell lives?" Anastasia's nervousness grew. The housekeepers knew she'd gone to Lily's, but not the location. Did my father send her to bring me home?

"Did you come with my father?" She set down her prune juice.

Maria shook her head. "No, I hired the miracle doctor to treat you, but you weren't home. He was kind enough to come, so that's why we're here!"

"Miracle doctor?" Lily's tone was mocking. She looked Austin up and down. He enjoys bluffing, doesn't he? No one knows his capabilities, but he has the nerve to call himself a miracle doctor?! Austin, though unconcerned with the title, resented her tone and expression. What kind of look is that? Does she look down on me?