Chapter 658

Lily knew Jonathan considered Alexander an "outsider," a term he often used.

"What I want to announce is very important to the Lodge family," Jonathan began. He spoke quietly but ensured everyone in the hall could hear him clearly. "Our family has over a hundred years of history in Sapphine City. We have always fulfilled our responsibilities and respected family rules. However, we did not expect my brother, Wilfred, to leave us so suddenly. His death is a great loss, and we are all deeply saddened. Unfortunately, this was no accident. It was murder!"

He looked at Lily, the implication clear: she was the murderer.

Unfazed by his blunt accusation, Lily stood. "Granduncle, I believe you're mistaken."

"Oh?" Jonathan smirked coldly. "Pray tell, where am I wrong?"

"In two ways. First, you claimed everyone is present, which is false. Justin, my grandfather's oldest grandson and the most important person here, is absent. How could you begin without him?"

Jonathan smiled calmly. "Justin is the oldest grandchild, but Henry is your uncle. As your grandfather's son, shouldn't he preside, not Justin?"

"That's my second point," Lily said, pausing for effect. "You said everyone here is family, with no outsiders. But last I checked, he's no longer a Lodge."

"What?"

The room erupted in bewildered murmurs. People exchanged questioning glances.

"I've been a part of this family for years; I know every member," Jonathan said coldly. "Tell me, who isn't a Lodge?"

Lily smiled nonchalantly, walking toward Henry. Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, she pointed at him. "Him! Henry is not a Lodge!"

Chaos ensued.

"Lily, are you sane? Henry is your uncle, your grandfather's son! How is he not a Lodge?" some questioned.

"Lily, stop this nonsense. Admit what you've done, and I'll forgive you, for your late mother's sake," Henry reprimanded her, looking down condescendingly from beside Jonathan.

"Uncle?" Lily mocked, shaking her head. "No, you're not my uncle." She turned to Jonathan. "If you've been a part of the Lodge family as long as you claim, and since you're my grandfather's brother, you should know everyone. How could you forget that Grandpa banished him?" She emphasized the word "banished."

The gasp that rippled through the room was audible. Some were unaware; others, though knowing of the incident, hadn't anticipated its revelation.

Everyone knew Henry was Wilfred's beloved youngest son. No one knew why he'd left, or where he'd been all those years. His return was puzzling, but the reason for Wilfred's banishment remained a mystery.

"Lily, stop this! Whether I was banished or not is irrelevant! What right do you have to question me? This has nothing to do with today's meeting!" Henry protested, flustered.