Chapter 45

The kiss lingered in Lilly's thoughts, a heady mix of surprise and confusion. When they finally broke apart, her breath hitched, her cheeks a deep crimson. Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto hers, unreadable yet intense, as though he was unraveling her every thought. The room felt too small, the air thick with unspoken words.

He finally broke the silence. "I've arranged for a driver and a bodyguard to accompany you from now on," his voice steady,yet holding an edge of command.

Her brow furrowed. "A new driver?"

"Yes. You won't be leaving or returning alone anymore. Your safety is non-negotiable."

She nodded slowly, unsure whether to feel reassured or alarmed.

"When you're done with your errands, head to the family residence tonight."he added.

Her heart skipped. "The family residence? Is Grandma okay?" Concern laced her voice; Alexander rarely mentioned family unless it was significant.

He tilted his head, his expression softening just enough to stir unease. "Sandra arrives this afternoon. Grandma's hosting a welcome party for her.She expects you there." "Will you be there?" she ventured cautiously, her voice almost a whisper. His lips curved slightly, the ghost of a smirk.'′′Dyou want me there?" Caught off guard, she hesitated before retorting, "Isn't she your sister?Shouldn't yoube welcoming her home?"

"Mmm," he hummed, his fingers finally releasing her waist.She hadn't even noticed how firmly he'd been holding her until his absence left her cold. The sudden space between them felt unbearable.

Alexander leaned in, brushing his hand through her hair,his fingers twisting a strand before letting it fall. His eyes held a promise, or perhaps a warning. "Be good," he murmured before turning and walking away,leaving her standing there, her heart racing.

Lilly pressed her palm to her chest, then her lips, the memory of his touch still warm. It wasn't their first kiss, but it felt unlike any before-raw,purposeful, and completely disarming.

Descending the grand staircase, Lilly noticed a sleek black car parked at the entrance. Two men stood by it, both unfamiliar. The bodyguard opened the door with a precise, almost militaristic bow.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Pedro, your new bodyguard," he said, his voice deep and clipped. He was tall, dark, and imposing-an unmistakable air of authority about him. She nodded, her gaze shifting to the driver, who introduced himself as Samuel. His build was equally intimidating. Alexander wasn't taking chances,it seemed. "To the hospital," she instructed. "Yes, ma'am," Samuel replied as Pedro took the front passenger seat,his eyes scanning their surroundings with hawk-like precision. At the hospital, Lilly knocked lightly on Dr. Sophia's door before stepping inside. The doctor greeted her warmly, her face lighting up.

"Good morning, Mrs. Kane," Sophia teased, the title making Lilly's cheeks flush.

"You look radiant today," Sophia noted, her observant eyes narrowing. "Wait-what's this glow? Spill it."

Lilly hesitated, recalling the way Alexander's kiss had left her breathless."I'll tell you when I'm sure," she hedged.

"Sure about what?" Sophia pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"About Alexander," Lilly admitted quietly, a faint smile betraying her thoughts.

Sophia's eyes widened, practically dragging Lilly to the couch."He did something, didn't he?"

Lilly sighed, nodding. "He kissed me this morning," she confessed,her voice barely above a whisper.

Sophia gasped, clasping Lilly's hands. "Finally! What did you do?"

"I told him my feelings hadn't changed," Lilly said, the memory of his response sending a shiver down her spine. Sophia beamed. "And this is Alexander we're talking about? The same man who avoids emotions like the plague? Oh, Lilly, this is huge!" Lilly's heart warmed at her friend's enthusiasm but tempered her excitement. "He also ordered me to eat with him every day," she said, unsure whether to view it as affection or control.

"For him, that's practically romantie." Sophia quipped.

By early afternoon, Lilly found herself standing in front of Blake Headquarters. The towering building loomed over her, a stark reminder of her family's legacy. As she stepped inside, employees and directors scrambled to greet her, their deference almost suffocating.

"Miss Blake, welcome," one of the directors said, bowing.

Lilly responded with a curt nod, allowing them to escort her to the 20th-floor meeting room. Her grandfather's presence dominated the room,seated at the head of the table. Beside him sat her father, his expression a calculated mix of authority and pride.

"Grandfather," she greeted respectfully before turning to her father with a professional nod.

Her eyes swept the room, landing on Kate at the far end. Her half-sister's frown was as sharp as a dagger. Ignoring Kate's obvious discontent. Lilly took her seat beside her grandfather, her posture regal yet unyielding.

"Let's begin," she said, her voice steady, carrying the weight of someone who knew her place in the family hierarchy. But beneath the surface, tension simmered. In a family like theirs, every meeting was a battlefield, every move calculated. Lilly braced herself,knowing that this was only the beginning.