Lily left the office and went to the supermarket because her refrigerator was nearly empty. She bought groceries and returned home. Afterward, she stopped at a pastry shop, purchased some cakes and snacks, and took a cab home.

This detour from her usual route alerted her to someone seemingly following her. Her background in body combat and keen intuition confirmed her suspicions. Initially ignoring it, she became vigilant after several turns, realizing the pursuit continued.

The follower's identity and motive were unclear, but the situation made her uneasy. Upon reaching Olivia's address, she intended to visit and inform Olivia about a cancelled trip. Remembering a previous visit, she chose to walk through a nearby alley.

Slowing her pace, she even pretended to tie her shoelace, giving her pursuer a supposed opportunity to act. Surprisingly, nothing happened. The follower maintained a consistent distance, neither too close nor too far, and made no attempt to attack or ambush her.

Could it be the paparazzi? Unlikely; she wasn't famous. If it were related to her relationship with Alexander, he would be the target, not her, and few people knew about their relationship.

Reaching Olivia's building, she forgot her floor number and decided to call, abandoning her game of cat and mouse. She sprinted a few steps, stopped abruptly, and spun around. Trapped in the alley, her follower couldn't avoid her. "Melanie?" Lily exclaimed, surprised. The paparazzi wouldn't stalk so clumsily. "Why are you following me?"

Lily had maintained remarkable composure throughout the afternoon's pursuit. Melanie, initially ashamed, quickly recovered from her surprise, responding defiantly, "Yes, it's me. What about it?"

Lily remained silent, ignoring Melanie's taunts. "I'm upright and not despicable like you!" Melanie retorted indignantly. Lily was utterly confused.