Chapter 608

After some thought, Alexander turned to Lily. "Get in the car first," he said.

Lily sensed they had something important to discuss; Edward's expression confirmed her suspicion. She wasn't one to assume they were excluding her, but her intuition suggested the conversation concerned her. Since Alexander offered no explanation, she simply nodded. "Okay."

She entered the car and watched them through the window. Edward spoke; Alexander's stunned reaction quickly shifted to solemnity. Crucially, he glanced in Lily's direction.

Though the car windows were tinted, Lily subconsciously avoided his gaze, as if caught peeking. She cautiously looked up again. Alexander remained motionless, lost in thought, the breeze lifting the hem of his shirt. He was always a captivating sight, but the palpable tension in the air left Lily feeling suffocated.

After a while, Alexander and Edward approached the car. Lily shifted to give Alexander space as he entered.

The cold wind rushed in, making Lily shiver. Alexander retrieved a throw from the car, covering her before taking her hand. Her warmth contrasted with his cold fingers, but he hesitated to release her. Lily, sensing his unease, asked directly, "Do you have something to tell me?" Their long relationship allowed her to understand his reticence.

Alexander gazed deeply into her eyes, his hesitation palpable—an expression Lily had never witnessed before. His usual directness only heightened her anxiety. Finally, he spoke. "Your grandfather passed away."

Lily was incredulous. "That's impossible! He was fine when I last visited. He wasn't feeling well, but his immune system was always strong. How could..."

Alexander anticipated her emotional response. Holding her hand, he comforted her. "Calm down. I just received the news. We'll go back now, all right?"

Understanding her need, he immediately arranged for Edward to drive them to the airport.

Lily's mind raced. She couldn't accept her grandfather's death. Memories flooded back: his sternness in her youth, her past dislike. Only upon seeing him again had she realized those feelings had vanished.

'I've lost my parents, and now my grandfather?'

Alexander said nothing, simply holding her close.