Chapter 619

The crashing and cracking sounds behind Henry brought a grin to his face. As he turned, a gust of cold wind hit him. The next second, a hand clamped down on his shoulder. "Uncle Henry, what a majestic scene!"

Even though Henry was alert, he was still shocked. Glancing sideways, he saw the men he'd brought with him sprawled on the ground. How had she done it? How could she have subdued them so quickly and efficiently?

"You..." Henry's voice was hoarse with shock. He gulped. "Do you dare touch your elders?"

"If I treat you like an elder, then you are one. If not, you're worse than feces!" Lily retorted, staring intently at him.

Henry was a Lodge family member, the youngest son Wilfred had once loved. For these reasons, Lily still respected him, despite his attempt to harm her upon their reunion. Yet, she couldn't admit to a crime she hadn't committed. She needed to uncover the truth.

"How presumptuous!" a deep voice boomed. A group emerged from the building, the voice belonging to their leader.

"Second Granduncle," Lily recognized him instantly.

It was Jonathan Lodge, Wilfred's cousin and Lily's second granduncle. A respected elder within the Lodge family, he'd been largely absent from family affairs for years, yet here he was. It wasn't surprising; it was Wilfred's funeral, after all.

His face was grim, a group of Lodge elders standing behind him, confronting Lily.

"Lily, what are you doing?" Their tone was far from friendly. Their accusations, leveled only after she'd subdued Henry, were galling.

Lily offered a mocking smile. "Uncle Henry brought unidentified men to Grandpa's funeral and attacked me before his spirit. Shouldn't you question his intentions?"

Jonathan glanced at Henry, then back at Lily. "Regardless, you shouldn't touch your uncle. The scandal! This is your grandfather's funeral, with all the family elders present. Release him immediately!"

"Touch him?" Lily's eyes widened. She gestured to the fallen men. "These are the aggressors. I was simply greeting my uncle. Since you disapprove, I'll let go!"

With an innocent expression, she released her grip. Only Henry knew the immense pressure on his shoulders vanished instantly.

Looking at her seemingly frail hands, Henry couldn't comprehend her strength. The pressure had felt like thousands of pounds; he'd have knelt had he not braced himself. He stared at her hand incredulously. Was this the timid girl he remembered, who avoided kickboxing practice?

"Alright, now that you're back, pay your respects to your grandfather!"

With the most respected elder speaking, no one dared object. Lily, having returned for her grandfather's funeral, complied, walking into the house.

Alexander followed, but Jonathan stopped him with his cane. "Young man! This is a Lodge family matter. Visitors should remain outside."