Chapter 439

Lily watched Alexander until he disappeared. Only then did she leave the car. Justin was waiting, watching her intently.

Something felt wrong. She had already revealed herself, and the servant had sent a message; the family must know she was here. Why were there no servants when she arrived?

It seemed Justin had deliberately avoided a commotion. She had nothing to hide. Gathering her belongings, she walked toward him. He looked at her and said, "You're finally back."

"I said I would be," Lily replied, her words implying she kept her promise.

He nodded. "Grandpa is waiting for you."

His leading the way was helpful; he had cleared a path, avoiding unnecessary encounters.

"I know. Thank you for the information you provided," Lily said, recalling his previous help. Justin didn't look back. "No need to thank me. You didn't use it." He'd given her documents, but she hadn't publicly revealed their contents.

As they walked, she realized the Lodge family knew almost everything about her, despite seemingly ignoring her. Otherwise, they wouldn't possess such detailed private information about Nathaniel. "Either way, thank you."

They entered a side building, walked down a long corridor, and reached the main house. The front received guests; the back was the family's private residence. Access was restricted, creating a calmer atmosphere.

"Why didn't you include this in your announcement?" Justin asked. "Do you still love him?" Lily shook her head. "Never force others into a corner. That's what the family taught us. Did you forget?" He was teasing; he'd certainly not forgotten. He stopped, grinning. "So you remember."

Of course, she remembered; it was deeply ingrained. She would never forget it. Upon entering the house, Lily instinctively started toward the stairs but saw Justin heading for a first-floor room. She paused, then followed. "Grandpa changed his room?"

"He's getting old; the stairs are inconvenient. It's easier for him to live downstairs," Justin explained, pausing and turning to her. "You've been gone a long time." Too long; she hadn't even known about the room change.

Lily remained silent as Justin continued, "Grandpa's old and has had some health issues, so you should be careful—" He trailed off, knocking gently on the door. "Grandpa, it's me." They heard coughing from within. A loud, aged voice replied, "Come in."

Lily had expected composure, but as she approached the room, nervousness overwhelmed her.