Chapter 42

Alexander's office was a chaotic whirlwind of tasks, but his mind was elsewhere. The stack of files on his desk blurred into irrelevance as his thoughts circled around Lilly. Knowing that Caleb Blake's men had taken her didn't ease his anxiety. He could picture her grandfather's stern face,his words slicing through the airlike a blade. What was Caleb planning?Why had he summoned her so suddenly?

Unable to suppress the unease tightening in his chest, Alexander pushed back his chair and stood abruptly. He grabbed his jacket, ignoringthe blinking notification on his laptop about an upcoming critical meeting.

James entered just as Alexander was storming out, abundle of files clutched to his chest. "Boss, are you leaving?"

"Yes." Alexander snapped without breaking stride.

“But-there's an important meeting in an hour," James protested,his voice rising with panic. Alexander never canceled meetings, let alone one so crucial.

"Cancel it." His tone was sharp,final.

James gaped, frozen in shock."Huh?"

Alexander stopped, turning his steely gaze on James. "I said, *cancelit∗!His voice rose, laced with impatience. James swallowed hard and bowed slightly,"Y-yes,boss." Without another word, Alexander strode past him, his demeanor stormy.Watching him leave, James muttered to himself, "Miss Blake must be involved in this. She's the only one who can shake him like this." Despite his boss's foul mood, James couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. Alexander Kane, the man known for his impenetrable composure.seemed to be unraveling.

Lilly sat stiffly in the backseat of a black car as it wove its way through remote roads. The urban skyline gradually gave way to a quiet. forested landscape.The car finally stopped in front of a secluded inn, its stone fac ade blending into the surroundings.

Victor, her grandfather's trusted aide, opened the door and gestured for her to step out. "This way, Miss Blake."

She followed him through the inn's dimly lit corridors, flanked by silent guards. They stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. Victor knocked once, then pushed it open, revealing a modest room. A tea set rested on a polished oak table, steam curling from a fresh pot. Seated at the head of the table was Caleb Blake, the patriarch of her family. Though in his seventies, his piercing gaze and commanding presence made him seem decades younger.

"Good day, Grandfather," Lilly greeted, bowing respectfully.

Caleb studied her for a moment before gesturing to the chair opposite him.“Sit. You shouldn't remain standing too long."

His cryptic comment made her pause. Did he know? Shaking off the thought,she complied, lowering herself into the seat.

"Have some tea," Caleb instructed, pouring her a cup, "Last time you refused to join me. This time, you won't.”

Lilly wrapped her hands around the delicate porcelain, taking a small sip."

Grandfather, you sent for me."

"Mmm," he nodded. his sharp eyes nartowing slightly. "Tell me.child.what's on your mind?"

His question caught her off guard. "Nothing, Grandfather. I was just thinking."

Caleb leaned forward, his gaze penetrating."Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No... There's nothin-"

The loud *bang* of Caleb's hand slamming against the table cut her off.Lilly flinched,her teacup trembling in her hands.

⋯∗Ncthing?!*”he thundered. "How about explaining why you're pregnant and didn't think to inform your grandfather?"

Lilly's heart stopped. Her hands froze mid-air, the teacup slipping from her fingers and clattering onto the table. "How... How did you-?"

Caleb's sharp laugh carried no warmth."You should know better than to underestimate me. Lilly.”

Shame washed over her as she lowered her gaze. Of course, he would know.Caleb Blake's network was legendary, his reach extending into places most could only dream of. "And that's not all." His voice was laced with fury now. "How dare you sign a contract with that man to have a child-and then leave the child with him? Have you lost your mind?" The room felt like it was closing in on her. Lilly dropped to her knees before him,her voice trembling. "Grandfather, please forgive me. I didn1't-,,

“Didn't *what*, Lilly? Didn't think I would find out?" Caleb's voice softened, but the disappointment in his tone cut her deeper than any yell.“I raised you to be strong, to value yourself. And yet, you willingly bound yourself to a devil like Alexander Kane?"

“Grandfather,he's not-”

"Don't you dare defend him," Caleb barked, his fist slamming down once more.“Do you even know who that man truly is? The things he's done?"

Lilly stared up at him, her lips parting to respond but no words coming out: What was he talking about? Her mind reeled with confusion.She loved Alexander despite his flaws. But now, staring at the anger etched into her grandfather's face, she wondered if there was something she didn't know.

“You think he's some tortured soul, don't you?” Caleb's voice dropped,almost to a whisper. "That he can be saved by love?" He leaned closer,his expression dark. “He's a man who destroys everything he touches.And you're willingly giving him my great-grandchild?”

Lilly's stomach churned.“Grandfather,please-”

“No!” Caleb interrupted, standing abruptly. His towering figure cast a shadow over her.“You will tell me everything now."