Chapter 14

“Bring her back. Grandma."

Alexander's voice was ice, his words sharp enough to cut through steel. He stood by the towering windows of his office, the city lights shimmering like distant stars, but his focus was singular.

"No, Alexander." Grandma Helen's reply was calm but unyielding,laced with a subtle defiance. “She'll return in a few days. Right now, she needs peace and rest. wwhich she will not find under your roof."

His grp on the phone tightened, his knuckles whitening. “I said no.Send her back to my house now."

Grandma Helen's laugh was soft but deliberate, a subtle mockery of his demand. "You can command the world, my dear boy, but you cannot command me. Lilly stays with me."

The line went dead before he could respond.

Beep.

For a moment, the silence in the office was deafening. Then Alexander's jaw tightened, his frustration spilling over as he slammed the phone down on his desk. He turned toward James, his assistant, who stood frozen like a rabbit caught in the headlights. "Why wasn't I informed sooner?" Alexander's voice was dangerously low,but the fury beneath it was palpable. James stammered, his face pale. "I-I apologize, boss. I thought-” "No bonuses. For a year," Alexander interrupted, his tone like frost. James staggered under the weight of the punishment, his shoulders slumping in despair. A wave of whispers swept through the office hallways as employees overheard the declaration. Sympathy flickered in some eyes, but most turned away quickly, not daring to draw Alexander's attention.

Inside his office, Alexander's mind churned. His grandmother's audacity wasn't just a power play-it was a direct challenge. She knew him too well,knew exactly how to push his buttons. But what infuriated him most was that Lilly was now beyond his reach, her movements unknown,her vulnerability exposed.

On the road to the Alexander family mansion, Grandma Helen ended the call with a victorious smirk. She had outmaneuvered her grandson, at least for now.

Her gaze softened as she glanced at Lilly, who stirred on the leather seat beside her. Still groggy, Lilly blinked at the unfamiliar surrounadings,her brow furrowing.

"Where are we?" she murmured,her voice faint.

"We're going to the Alexander family estate," Grandma Helen said,her tone as soothing as a lullaby.“You'll stay with me for a few days. Rest is what you need, dear, and I intend to make sure you get it."

“But-”Lilly started,but Grandma Helen silenced her with a gentle pat on the hand. "No buts. Trust me, this is for the best." Lilly's gaze dropped to the scarves clutched in her lap, her fingers running over the soft fabric. Her mind drifted back to her sisters,the memories

bittersweet.

"They meant a lot to you, didn't they?" Grandma Helen asked, her voice unusually tender.

"They're all I have left of them," Lilly whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Grandma Helen nodded, her expression thoughtful. “And they'll remind you of your strength,too."

The Alexander mansion loomed in the distance, its grandeur intimidating even in the pale moonlight. When they arrived, the sprawling estate exuded an air of untouchable legacy. It wasn't just a home-it was an empire carved in stone and time.

Camila, the head housekeeper, greeted them at the door. "Welcome home,Ma'am. And welcome,Miss Lilly."

"Thank you, Camila. Show Lilly to her room and make sure she has everything she needs," Grandma Helen instructed.

Lilly followed Camila through the grand hallways,her footsteps muffled by the plush rugs. When they reached her room, she froze at the sight. The room wasn't just luxurious-it was familiar. Masculine details dominated the decor: deep mahogany furniture, muted tones, and shelves lined with books. “This.,. this was Alexander's room," Lilly said softly, her eyes sweeping over the space. "Yes, Miss," Camila confirmed.“Grandma Helen thought it would make you feel closer to him.” Lilly hesitated, her emotions a tumultuous storm. As she ran her fingers over the spines of the books, she tried to imagine a younger Alexander inhabiting this space. The thought sent an unexpected pang through her chest.

After a long bath, she rested until Camila returned to escort her to dinner.The meal was extravagant, with Grandma Helen ensuring Lilly sampled every dish. But the tension in Lilly's chest didn't fade, even as they strolled through the moonlit gardens afterward.

"It's so peaceful here," Lilly admitted,her voice soft.

Grandma Helen smiled knowingly. “Peace is a rare thing in our family, my dear. Cherish it while you can."

As they settled on a terrace overlooking the estate, Grandma Helen turned to Lilly,her expression serious.

"You'll meet Sandra soon," she began.

Lilly frowned.“Sandra?”

“Alexander's sister. She's studying abroad right now, but she's always been close to him."

The revelation surprised Lilly. "He's never mentioned her." Grandma Helen sighed, her gaze distant. "He's a man of secrets, that one.But there's more to him than what you've seen. This marriage may have started as a contract, but I see potential for something real." Lilly's heart ached at the truth in those words. She wanted to believethere was a chance, but Alexander's walls were formidable, his trust elusive. "Don't give up on him," Grandma Helen added softly."Sometimes,the strongest walls are built around the most fragile hearts."

At ONYX Corporation, Alexander sat in his office, the city sprawling below him like a chessboard, waiting for his next move.

"Repeat that," he demanded, his voice razor-sharp.

James swallowed hard. "The chauffeur reported that Grandma Helen refused to return Miss Evans until tomorrow evening.”

Alexander's eyes darkened, his fury simmering just beneath the surface.“Three days. She'll have her for three days."

James nodded hesitantly.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight.“What about the maid? The one feeding information to my grandmother?”

“We've identified her," James confirmed.

“Bring her to me.Now.”

Minutes later, Jackie, the chief bodyguard, dragged a trembling young woman into the office. She collapsed to her knees, herpleas spilling out in desperate sobs.

“Young mnaster, please, I had no choice! She forced me!" Alexander regarded her coldly, his silence more terrifying than any words.Finally, he leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers. "You want forgiveness?" His voice was low, lethal. "You'll earn it. Go back to the mansion. Watch Miss Evans. Report to me if she even steps outside." The maid nodded frantically, her relief evident."Yes. young master. P'll do as you say."

Alexander dismissed her with a flick of his hand, his thoughts already elsewhere. This wasn't just about control-it was about understanding the pieces on the board.

Grandma Helen had made her move. Now it was his turn.

And he intended to win.