Chapter 48

Over the past month, everything between them had changed. Alexander.though never expressing his affection verbally, had showvn her in countless ways how deeply he cared. His actions spoke louder than words ever could,and Lilly had finally started to feel it. The last two months had been a whirlwind of unexpected turns-first. Alexander was undeniably falling for her;second, she had risen to the vice president of the Blake empire;third,she was carrying their child; and fourth, she had developed a strong relationship with his grandmother and sister. But despite everything that seemed to be falling into place, Lilly knew that true happiness would remain just out of reach until she avenged her sisters' deaths.

"I know where the one who killed them is hiding," Lilly said, her voice low,barely a whisper.

Alexander stiffened.“Where?"

“A small village in the west."

"I won't let you get involved," he said, his tone sharp."This is my responsibility. I'll make sure the truth comes out. You just focus on yourself and our baby."

“No,”she replied, hervoice unwavering. "I need to be there when you confront him. I want to witness his confession." He eyed her intensely, his expression unreadable. “You're sure? You really want to be there?" “Yes. I have to be." His eyes darkened, the tension between them growing heavier. "Are you asking me to go all the way? To make them suffer completely?"

Lilly shook her head. "No. I don't want you to make it easy for them.I want them to pay. I want the world to know they're responsible and to be locked away,facing the consequences."

A brief flicker of something almost like admiration crossed Alexander's face,but it was gone before Lilly could fully recognize it. “Yoú think I plan to give them an easy way out?”His voice was cold, filled with a promise."I will make them face the full weight of their actions. You don't need to worry about that."

Lilly's heart raced, but she held her ground. "Then I want to be there when you get the truth. I want to see it for myself.”

Alexander's gaze hardened.“No.”

The single word struck her like a slap. She stared at him, refusing to back down. "Please, Alexander. I need this. I need to be there for them. They took my sisters from me.”

“I said no," he repeated, his voice much firmer now. “The last thing I want is for you to witness what's coming. It's not a world I want you exposed to."

Lilly's breath caught, her chest tightening. She stepped closer, desperation creeping into her voice. "You don't understand. I need to be there. I can't be left out of this." Alexander's expression remained rigid, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of conflict. Still, he stood firm. "When I say no, I mean it.” She knew he wouldn't budge, but the fire in her rose, unyielding. She followed him as he turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the quiet of the room. Without thinking, she stepped into the elevator with him, not letting him out of her sight.

"You're not changing my mind," he said, his voice low.

"I'm not trying to," she replied, her eyes focused on him as she unbuttoned his suit jacket. Slowly, she removed his shirt, her fingers grazing his chest. The touch was intimate, electric, and she could feel his resolve weakening just as much as hers.

Alexander's breath hitched, his body reacting to her touch in an instant.Before either of them knew it, they were on the bed, wrapped in each other,the world outside forgotten.

"I don't want you going back to your room," he muttered between kisses.“Clara will move your things to mine."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she smiled softly. “How long have I waited for you to say that?"

He smirked, that rare, charming smile creeping onto his lips. "Since the day I kicked you out of it, I'm guessing?”

Lilly's heart fluttered, but her thoughts were quickly lost in the heat of the moment. Their passion took over, but even then, a part of her remained determined, knowing that she couldn't let go of her need for justice. Hours later, Alexander held her in his arms, his gaze soft as she drifted into sleep. He kissed her forehead tenderly, but his mind was far from peaceful. He couldn't keep her safe from the storm that was coming, no matter how much he tried to shield her. The morning light crept in through the curtains, and before she had fully opened her eyes, he was already pulling her back into the storm.Their connection was undeniable, his every touch a promise, each kiss a reaffirmation of his desire.

As Lilly examined her body in the mirror, she couldn't help but gasp. The hickeys scattered across her neck, chest, and thighs were vivid marks of possession. She smiled faintly, touching them gently, before realizing how much she had to cover up. She placed a hand on her stomach, still flat at four months along, but a small smile tugged at her lips. She was carrying their child, and the thought of it was enough to push away her fear,for a moment at least.

Lilly chose a stylish black outfit to hide the marks-tight pants, a silky white shirt, and a cream coat to cover the rest. Thankfully, the cold weather made it all seem more natural. No one would question her choice of clothing. Not that she cared what anyone thought.

At the Blake empire headquarters, things were starting to feel more familiar. It had been a month since she assumed the vice presidency, and her role was only growing. Relationships with the staff were stronger,and the company's stock had risen sharply. Her name was now synonymous with success and power.

But when she stepped off the elevator, the last thing she expected was to see Kate standing outside her office.

"What are you doing here?” Lilly asked, her voice taut with suspicion. Kate turned, her smile forced, but still dangerous. “Dearest sister," she greeted in a sickly sweet tone.Lilly couldn't help but notice the way Kate's eyes lingered on her neck. A flash of anger passed through her stepsister's gaze before she covered it with a practiced smile. Lilly's heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what Kate was thinking.

“You still haven't answered my question," Lilly pressed, keeping her voice calm, despite the rising tension in her chest.

“Oh, I'm just admiring how happy you look," Kate said, her voice taking on a mocking lilt. “But tell me, how long do you think that happiness will last?”

"Forever," Lilly responded, her voice steely,refusing to show weakness.

Kate's laughter was cold,devoid of warmth. "You've taken everything from me, everything I ever wanted. But it's okay,"she said, her voice dripping with venom. "What are sisters for,right?”

Lilly stood tall, her eyes narrowing. “Leave.”

Kate raised her hands in mock defeat. “Okay, okay, I'll leave." She turned toward the elevator, but as the doors opened, her smile faded.She looked back at Lilly, her eyes filled with malice. "Today is your last day on earth.Lilly.”

The doors closed with a soft hiss, and Lilly felt her blood run cold. Kate's words hung in the air, a chilling warning.