Chapter 28

The air in the grand banquet hall was thick with tension. Kate stood frozen,her heart pounding in her chest as her mother's hand gripped her arm tightly.

"Oh no, Kate, you'll ruin your dress!" Amanda exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm as she dabbed at the spilled wine on Kate's gown. But Kate didn't move-her focus was singular, her gaze locked on Lilly and Alexander.

Bella's face was a storm of emotions, her usually composed demeanor faltering. Her trembling hand clutched her own glass, and she struggled to steady herself. She cast a glance at her husband, Peter, whose expression was a strange mix of astonishment and... joy.

Is he pleased? Bella thought, the question sending a surge of cold anger through her. She shifted her attention back to Kate, whose fiery determination was written all over her face as she started toward Lilly.

“Let me go, Mother!" Kate hissed, yanking at Bella's grip.

"What are you planning to do, Kate?" Bella whispered urgently,trying to mask their argument from the prying eyes around them.

“Didn't you hear the announcer?” Kate snapped, her voice barely a whisper but sharp with fury. "Mrs. Kane. She's back to steal everything-Alexander, the company, my future. I won't stand here and let her take it all.” "Listen to me. Kate." Bella said, her tone laced with steel. "You cannot make a scene here. Compose yourself, or you'll ruin more than your dress."

"How can I stay calm with her flaunting hersef as Mrs. Kane?" Kate spat.

Bella's lips pressed into a thin line. “I'll deal with her. Focus on maintaining your image, Kate. This battle requires strategy, not emotion."

Kate's glare softened just enough to show she was listening, though her fists remained clenched at her sides.

Across the hall, Peter stood rooted in place, his eyes locked on Lilly. He could barely believe it-his daughter, presumed lost for years, was alive and standing mere feet away. A thousand questions churned in his mind.Where has she been? Why didn't anyone find her? And why is she now...Mrs.Kane?

"Should we inform the old master?" his assistant murmured beside him.

Peter shook his head, his voice quiet but firm. "No need. He knows."

His gaze met Lilly's, but her expression was unreadable, her icy stare enough to halt his tentative steps forward. Does she still blame me? For her sisters? He stayed back, his heart aching with the distance between them.

Lilly felt the weight of every stare as she stood beside Alexander.She had noticed Kate's attempted approach and Bella's swift intervention. Good,she thought. Not tonight, Kate. “Lilly, you look stunning," Sophia's familiar voice broke through her thoughts, accompanied by a warm kiss on her cheek. "She does," Richard added, his easy grin adding a rare moment of levity. "Thank you," Lilly replied, her tone gracious but guarded.

“You're stealing the spotlight, as usual," Richard teased. “Though I admit,

I never thought I'd see Alexander Kane introducing anyone as his wife.

You'll have to work hard to convince everyone it's real."

Alexander remained silent, his stoic demeanor unshaken as he motioned for Lilly to follow him.

They crossed the hall to another cluster of influential guests, where

Alexander's long-time friend Ethan greeted him with a warm smile.

"I've missed you, my friend," Ethan said, clapping Alexander on the shoulder.

"I'm busy," Alexander replied coolly, brushing past him.

Ethan's attention shifted to Lilly. "And who's this vision of beauty?"

"She was announced as Mrs. Kane," Alexander said, his tone sharp.

Ethan froze, his jaw slack with shock. "Is this some sort of joke?"

Alexander leaned in, his voice low and cutting."It's not. And you'd best remember that."

Ethan's stunned expression followed them as they moved on.

As they approached the patriarch of the Lawrence family, the tension in the air grew heavier. The old master's frown deepened at the sight of Lilly,and his voice was laced with irritation.

“You troublemaker," he said, glaring at Alexander. “Of all the headaches you've caused me, this one takes the crown." Alexander's response was calm but unyielding. "This is my wife, Lilly Evans."

Lilly bowed politely, her movements measured andI graceful despite the scrutiny.

The old master's eyes narrowed as he addressed her."You should consider yourself lucky to be with him. Without him, you'd be nothing."

Lilly held her composure, though she bristled internally.

Alexander's response was a quiet but firm declaration. “It's my choice."

The old master's frustration was evident, but he waved them toward the table. "Sit. Enjoy the meal. We'll discuss this later."

As the third course was served, Lilly's stomach churned. She excused herself and hurried to the restroom, her composure finally cracking as she retched into the sink. Steadying herself, she splashed water on her face before stepping back into the corridor.

Two towering men in black blocked her path.

“Miss Lilly Evans," one said, his tone devoid of warmth. “You need to come with us.”.

Her eyes darted around-Alexander's guards were nowhere to be seen.Panic prickled at the edges of her calm. “Who sent you?”

“You'll find out soon enough," the other replied, stepping closer. Before she could scream, a cloth was pressed to her mouth.Darkness closed in as she realized, too late, that the trap had been sprung.