Chapter 15

Earlier that morning. Lilly had risen before the sun. a quiet determination lighting herface. The idea had struck her during her conversation with Grandma Helen the previous night-an opportunity to express her gratitude and form a bond.

The mansion's kitchen buzzed with activity as the chef and Camila busied themselves, gathering the ingredients Lilly needed. She stood at the counter.sleeves rolled up, her focuis razor-sharp as she prepared Grandma Helen's favorite meal: a spread of vegetable salad, fish soup, rice, and a variety of side dishes.

"Are you sure you don't want us to handle this, Miss?" the chef asked.watching her wield the knife with surprising precision.

Lilly shook her head with a small smile. "No, thankyou. I want this to come from me."

The aroma of the meal filled the air, wafting through the halls and drawing curious glances from passing staff.

By the time she set the table, Grandma Helen walked into the dining area.her expression softening as her eyes landed on the carefully arranged dishes.

"Wow, you've been busy," Grandma Helen said, her surprise obvious. Lilly pulled out a chair for her. "Come, Grandma. It's your favorite. I hope I did it justice." Grandma Helen sat and took a tentative bite. Her eyes widened slightly,and then she smiled. "This is... remarkable. You made this?" Lilly nodded, watching her intently. "With the chef's help,of course."

"It's better than his cooking," Grandma Helen teased, her words loud enough for the chef to hear.

The poor man stiffened where he stood, a mixture of offense and despair flickering across his face.

Lilly chuckled, attempting to soothe the moment. "The meal yesterday was amazing. You're an excellent chef."

The chef nodded mutely, retreating with a hasty bow, and Grandma Helen laughed lightly.

They were mid-meal when Camila approached quietly and leaned down to whisper something in Grandma Helen's ear. The older woman's demeanor shifted slightly, her smile tightening.

"Excuse me, dear. I'll be back shortly," she said, rising from her seat.

Lilly nodded, watching her leave. She ate slowly, her thoughts wandering as soft murmurs echoed faintly from the hall. Minutes passed before Grandma Helen returned, her face calm but her movements brisk.

Lilly glanced toward the doorway where faint footsteps faded. Someone had come...and gone. After the meal, Grandma Helen led Lilly to a small art studio tucked away in the mansion. The scent of paint and varnish hung in the air, and the walls were adorned with breathtaking landscapes, many of them mountains. "You're so talented, Grandma!" Lilly exclaimed,awed as she watched the older woman's brush glide effortlessly across the canvas. The scene was

alive a mountain bathed in soft golden light. each detail painstakingly perfect.

Grandma Helen chuckled softly, her focus unwavering. "It's juast a hobby.dear.Nothing extraordinary."

Lilly shook her head."This is extraordinary. What mountain is it?"

"A place I visit for prayers," Grandma Helen replied, her tone thoughtful."It's special to me."

Lilly detected a subtle sadness in her words, an undercurrent of emotion she didn't quite understand.

"Can I join you the next time you go?" Lilly asked suddenly, surprising herself as much as Grandma Helen.

The older woman paused mid-stroke, her brush hovering over the canvas.She turned to Lilly, her expression unreadable. “Are you sure? It's not exactly a thrilling outing for someone your age."

"Thrilling isn't the point." Lilly replied, her voice soft but firm.“Sometimes.it's good to pray... especially for those we've lost."

Her chest tightened as the memory of her sisters surfaced, vivid and painful.She gripped the fabric of her dress to steady herself.

Grandma Helen's eyes softened, her gaze flickering to the scarves Lilly so often clung to. "The ones who owned those scarves?" Lilly blinked,startled. She hadn't realized how much Grandma Helen had observed. Slowly, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes." Grandma Helen didn't press further. Instead, she stood gracefully,her movements fluid as she gestured toward the door."You should rest. We'll be going out later, and I want you to come with me."

“Out?Where?"

"Shopping." Grandma Helen said with a smile,her mood brightening."It's been ages since I've gone, and I think it's time to spoil ourselves."

Lilly hesitated, but seeing the genuine excitement in the older woman's expression, she nodded. “Okay, Grandma."

The car pulled away from the estate later that afternoon, a sleek convoy with bodyguards trailing closely behind.

Grandma Helen sighed as she looked out the window. "My grandson is so overprotective. Look at this-guards for a simple shopping trip!"

Lilly smiled faintly, her mind flashing back to her grandfather. He had been just as vigilant, sending a small army of guards whenever she and her sisters ventured out. The memory was both comforting and bittersweet.

The car stopped in front of the most opulent mall Lily had ever seen. Its grand facade gleamed in the sunlight, and above the entrance, bold letters spelled out “ONYX Mall." She didn't need anyone to tell her it was part of the Kane family's empire.

As they stepped out of the car, all eyes turned toward them. The crowd parted instinctively, murmurs spreading as people speculated about their identities. The presence of the guards only heightened my curiosity. Some pulled out their phones, but the guards quickly intervened, ensuring no photos were taken. A man in a tailored suit hurried toward them, flanked by a group of shopping assistants. His demeanor was respectful yet eager as he bowed deeply.

"Mrs. Kane," he said, his voice reverent. "It's an honor to have you here.It's been such a long time since your last visit."

Grandma Helen smiled graciously, but her eyes gleamed with a sharpness that didn't escape Lilly's notice. “Let's hope the service here hasn't declined in my absence."

"Of course not, Ma'am. We'll ensure you have everything you need," the manager said quickly, gesturing for the assistants to follow them.

As they stepped inside, the weight of the moment pressed against Lilly's chest. The mall was a glittering showcase of wealth and power, but beneath its surface,something felt... off.

She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching them, and the faint echo of footsteps trailed just a second too long behind.

The shopping trip had begun, but Lilly couldn't ignore the creeping sense of unease curling at the edges of her mind. Something or someone was waiting.