Chapter 443

"Grandpa, the party's about to start," Justin said, glancing at his watch.

"Okay," Wilfred replied, returning to the conversation. He looked at Lily with a questioning expression.

Lily shook her head. "Grandpa, I won't be going. You know I don't like crowds."

"Oh," Wilfred said, turning to Alexander.

Alexander immediately placed his hand on Lily's shoulder. "I won't go either. I'll stay with her." Wilfred smiled, seemingly to appease them. "In that case, stay. I'll have someone prepare two rooms. Stay two days before leaving, all right?"

The final sentence was directed at Lily, almost a plea. Flattered by her grandfather's request, Lily hurriedly nodded. "Alright, if you wish."

Wilfred smiled with relief. "Justin, let's go."

Justin nodded, went to retrieve the wheelchair, then looked at Lily. "Someone will take you both to your rooms."

"Okay," Lily replied, nodding and watching them leave the room.

Shortly afterward, the butler arrived. "Ms. Christian, Mr. Russell, please follow me."

He led them upstairs, assigning each a room. Significantly, the rooms were at opposite ends of the hall, quite far apart.

Lily was speechless, but Alexander remained calm.

"Ms. Christian, you must be tired. Please rest. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. Someone will bring you food shortly," the butler said. His thoughtfulness was evident, except for his room assignments.

"Butler, aren't the rooms rather far apart?" Lily noted the considerable distance. The butler bowed. "It was Mr. Justin Lodge's instruction. Mr. Russell is a guest and deserves the best room." His respectful tone couldn't mask the implication that Alexander, as an outsider, was relegated to a less desirable room; his presence was already a concession.

"But" Lily began, but Alexander stopped her. "It's fine. I'm happy with the arrangements." Lily remained silent, accepting his decision.

The butler replied, "As long as you're happy, Mr. Russell. I won't disturb you further."

After the butler left, Lily couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you let me object? Do you want to be so far from me?"

"Do you think your words would have changed anything?" Alexander laughed, putting his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Didn't you hear your cousin 'purposefully' arranged this? There's no need to make things difficult for the butler."

He emphasized "purposefully" with a smile. "Why? Will you miss me?" he whispered against her forehead.