Chapter 18
Bella paced anxiously around the grand living room, her heart pounding in her chest as she anxiously awaited the manager's call. The minutes dragged on endlessly, each tick of the clock sharpening her nerves. Kate.equally restless. sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers twitching as if to do something-anything-to push the time forward. She was desperate for answers, her mind racing with countless possibilities.
Finally. Bella's phone rang, cutting through the silence. Bella snatched it up immediately. Her voice was tight with expectation as she answered.
The call was brief, but it hit like a blow to the gut. Bella's face paled as she listened, her grip tightening around the phone until her knuckles turned white.
"What did he say?” Kate demanded, her eyes burning with impatience.
Bella's lips curled into a thin, forced smile as she ended the call, the weight of the news pressing heavily on her chest. “The footage... it's been deleted," she said. her voice almost a whisper.
Kate froze, her eyes wide in disbelief. “What? That's impossible. They're supposed to preserve it! How could it just disappear?"
Bella's eyes narrowed as she fought to keep her composure."It's gone.Kate. But don't worry... we still have ways to find out the truth."
Kate stood up, her face tight with frustration. "What doyou mean,'ways?"Her voice was sharp, filled with a desperate edge. "Tell me. I need to know. If that was really Lilly... I need to know. This can't be happening right now." Bella reached out and took her daughter's hand, squeezing it reassuringly."I have my methods. And if that girl dates to reappeat or make herself known again. I'll make sure she disappears once more-permanently.
"But Grandfather..." Kate hesitated. the words hanging in the aif like a heavy fog. "Grandfather is looking for her too. What if he finds her first?
Bella's expression darkened, her grip tightening."We will handle this.Kate. Before he does. Don't worry about him."
Kate's breath escaped in a shaky sigh. "All I want is to finally get what's mine...all that belongs to me."
Bella smiled coldly, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. "And you will, darling. You'll have everything. When your father returns, we'll push forward. You'll join the family business, and one day, you'll be the one to lead the Blake legacy."
Kate's lips parted in a slow smile. "I can't wait, Mother."
Meanwhile. Lilly's life was anything but peaceful. After a long day,she slipped into her room, the soft hum of the mansion around her, and her mind weighed down with a million thoughts. As she undressed,her phone rang-Grandma Helen's name flashing across the screen.
Lilly answered quickly, her voice soft but warm. "Hello,Grandma."
"Oh, my dear," Grandma Helen's voice was full of affection."I received your gift.It's lovely, such a fine piece of jewelry. You've made me so happy.” "I'm so glad you like it, Grandma," Lilly said, smiling at the thought of her grandmother's reaction. There was a pause, and then Grandma Helen's tone shifted slightly."I hope my grandson gave you enough funds for it, dear. You didn't go overboard,did you?"
Lilly hesitated, then lied smoothly, "Of course. Grandma. He gave me more than enough. You don't have to worry about a thing."
"Good,good. I'm glad to hear it. Now, rest well, my dear. I'll see you soon...and we'll have more time together, I promise."
Lilly smiled softly at her grandmother's words. "Thank you, Grandma.I can't wait.”"
The call ended, and Lilly sat there, the warmth of the conversation still lingering. But before she could fully settle into the quiet, there was a soft knock at the door.
Opening it,she was greeted by Clara and two maids, all holding packages in their hands.
"What's all this?" Lilly asked, eyeing the gifts.
"These are from Mrs. Kane. Ma'am,” Clara explained. “Your belongings.and some additional gifts she selected for you.”
Lilly nodded and stepped aside to let them in. The maids carefully placed the packages on the couch, then bowed and left. Once the door closed, Lilly walked over and began unwrapping the items.She recognized a few things from her time with Grandma Helen during the shopping trip, but there were many other items she hadn't been present for. Each one seemed more extravagant than the last, and she couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in her stomach. As she pondered the significance of these gifts, her phone buzzed again. It was Sarah, checking in on the coffee shop. Lilly replied, her thoughts distracted by everything happening around her. With Alexander becoming more controlling by the day, she needed to make sure her business back in the city didn't fall apart.
Later that evening, Lilly descended the stairs for dinner, only to find Alexander still seated at the table. His presence was commanding, even in his quiet reading of the newspaper. She sat down next to him, but couldn't help stealing glances at him, her mind a swirl of conflicting emotions.
He noticed her gaze."What's wrong?”
Lilly quickly averted her eyes, flustered. “Nothing," she muttered.
"Sure about that?" he teased, his voice low and unsettling.
The meal passed in strained silence. Every bite, every movement felt deliberate, measured. But still, Lilly couldn't help but observe him, the way his fingers moved with such precision as he ate. The tension was palpable, and Lilly was caught at the moment, unsure of what to make of it.
After dinner, Alexander retreated to his study, leaving her behind. But Lilly lingered. She needed answers. As the house felt unusually still, she wandered the halls, confusion gnawing at her.
Finally, she approached Clara. "Where is everyone? Why is it so quiet today?” Clara glanced at her, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "Today is a mandatory day off, Ma'am. Mr. Kane's orders." Lilly blinked in confusion. "A day off? I didn't know..." Clara seemed almost reluctant as she added. "Mr. Kane instructed me to send you to the family home today. Ma'am. It's time for you to go."
Lilly froze, her heart pounding. The family home? Alexander had explicitly told her she would never set foot there again. Why the sudden change?
"What's going on?" she whispered to herself.
Clara's face remained impassive. "The car is waiting for you outside."
Lilly's mind raced. This didn't feel right. The whole situation felt off. As she stood there, staring out the window, a shiver of unease crept down her spine.
Something was happening, something she couldn't quite understand yet.And she knew-deep down-that today would mark the beginning of something far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
The question lingered in her mind as she prepared to leave: What was Alexander planning?