Chapter 89

"You're still upset," Justin said, shaking his head. "Grandpa said harsh things when you left, but he was angry. We're family. Why take his angry words so seriously? It's been so long. You're suffering, and you should let it go. Consider the rumors and the lawsuit. You've done this to yourself, and you're still unwilling to return?"

Lily straightened her back. "It's not that I don't want to return. I will, in time," she said. "I'll resolve my affairs. Don't worry. No one will know about our relationship."

This seemed to anger Justin. "Do you think my family fears being implicated by you? Do you think you can get away with saying nothing? Why are you so self-righteous after all these years?"

"Then assume I am," Lily replied. "I'll speak to my grandfather in person when I'm ready to return."

"Are you really not coming back?" Justin asked, taking another step closer and looking down at her.

His lean frame made him appear taller. His skin was almost translucent, though his lips were a delicate pink, not pale. His unblemished lips struck her as strikingly handsome.

Lily met his gaze, steadfast. "No."

Before she finished speaking, a gust of wind rushed toward her. Reacting instantly, she raised her arms defensively.

Justin moved with lightning speed. His attack was swift and forceful. Lily would have been hit had she not reacted quickly.

After a brief exchange, Lily gasped for breath. Justin aimed a kick at her waist.

Lily barely avoided the blow! His foot stopped three inches from her waist before he retracted it, clearly controlling his strength. The motion was so fast she couldn't dodge it. "Your skills have declined," he said lightly.

"Unfortunately, yes," Lily admitted.

Her fight with Nathaniel's bodyguards had revealed how much her abilities had deteriorated over the past two years. It would have been easy for her before, but that fight had left her wrist sore. "Are you sure you're not coming back?" Justin asked again.

Lily didn't answer, but her eyes spoke volumes. "All the best!" Justin said, walking past her and leaving.

When Lily turned, he was gone. She felt the soreness in her arms and calves. Even though Justin hadn't used his full strength, defending herself had taken effort.

However… it seemed this incident had caught her family's attention. She'd thought her grandfather had given up on her years ago, leaving her to fend for herself.