Chapter 610

Since then, Justin had managed the Lodge family. Alexander's inquiry hinted at potential changes in the family's management.

The two-hour flight to Brown City was underway. Alexander draped a blanket over Lily, pained by the sight of her bloodshot eyes. "Don't overthink it," he murmured. "Everything's happened; prioritize self-care, no matter how upset you are. Many things still need addressing."

Lily understood, but the agony was overwhelming. Since her parents' death, she'd lived with her grandfather at the Lodge family residence. As a child, she'd considered him a harsh man. Unlike other grandfathers who showered grandchildren with kindness and gifts, he offered none of that.

Her life revolved around school and endless kickboxing lessons. Training clothes wore out constantly, and her diet was strictly regulated. Initial tantrums gave way to a resigned acceptance of her fate.

Her skills improved with age, yet her grandfather remained—if anything—even stricter. She never experienced a normal childhood. Countless times, she cried into her mother's clothes, yearning to escape. Every escape attempt ended in swift recapture and harsher punishment.

She later dated Nathaniel, hoping to break free from the Lodge family's oppressive control. Perhaps Nathaniel accelerated her maturity. She learned that some seemingly negative experiences ultimately proved beneficial, while others, initially pleasant, later inflicted pain.

Her grandfather, though strict, had cared for and supported her. Now, he was gone forever.

Memories, from childhood to recent events, flooded her mind, playing like a film until exhaustion claimed her, and she fell asleep.

Alexander lowered his head, observing Lily's closed eyes and tightly furrowed brow, her hands clenched into fists on her stomach. Gently, he took one of her hands, warming it with his own, and smoothed her brow with his other hand.

He sensed this trip to the Lodge family residence wouldn't be peaceful. A storm was brewing, its intensity unknown, but he would protect her.

Meanwhile, in Ruby City, a car sped towards the suburbs. Eloise, her expression heavy, asked, "Ari, where are we going?"

"An interesting place," Arianna replied mysteriously.

"I'm not in the mood for sightseeing! Let's go back!" Eloise snapped, her brow furrowed in frustration.

Joseph had brought home his illegitimate son, upsetting Eloise, who couldn't openly express her feelings. Worse, the boy was a master manipulator, respectful only when Joseph was present, ignoring her otherwise.

Arianna's kindness in offering a relaxing outing was wasted on Eloise's troubled state.