Chapter 1004

"Yes, but this person is very ambitious. She was behind the Lodge family's troubles."

"You mean… the Light-Shadow Killers?"

Lily frowned, memories flooding back. Although Henry was full of ambition and had grand plans, Lily always sensed a hidden manipulator. She'd confided in Justin, who'd promised to investigate, but his later preoccupation led him to shelve the matter, and she didn't press it. Now, she learned Heather was behind the Light-Shadow Killers.

"That means she manipulated Henry to seize control of the Lodge family, using him as a pawn?" Alexander nodded.

"I assumed that was her plan, but who knew even someone like Henry could be so easily manipulated? While she used him to gain power, he also used her. Their downfall was underestimating you and Justin's strength."

Lily blushed. "I didn't even do anything." While she'd contributed marginally, Justin had turned the tide. He was far superior in business acumen and a truly capable Lodge patriarch.

Alexander gently rubbed her head, smiling. "Your capabilities are clear to me."

Lily shook her head awkwardly, feeling like a pet. "Wait, you mentioned a handbook. What handbook? I left the Lodge family, and Grandpa never mentioned one."

Could Justin have received secret handbooks? "It doesn't belong to your family. It belongs to mine."

Lily's eyes widened. "Your family?! But… your family isn't…"

The Russells were a generations-old business dynasty, building a vast empire. They'd never been known for kickboxing. What handbook would interest Heather if it wasn't from an ancient kickboxing family?

"While no one in our family practices kickboxing, a secret handbook exists. I'm not entirely clear on this; I just know it exists, and I believe that's why she came here." He omitted that Heather's engagement to Ralph likely aimed to secure the handbook.

What handbook was worth sacrificing her life for? Was the engagement a cover? "Where's the handbook...?" Lily asked anxiously. Then, reconsidering, she said, "I'm not even thinking about it. I'm wondering if she took it."

"I don't think so," Alexander said, shaking his head. "I didn't mention the Russell Estate break-in two days ago, but nothing valuable was stolen. It might be related; the theft occurred the day after Heather moved in."

Lily looked bewildered. Too much information to process. "How much are you hiding? What else haven't you told me?"

Noticing her displeasure, he knelt to meet her gaze. "Nothing. Nothing else, I swear! I only withheld it to avoid stressing you and affecting your health. And I didn't want you involved with Heather."

He pursed his lips. That woman was trouble, but he couldn't shield Lily. Heather had delivered herself to their doorstep!

"You idiot!" Lily burst into laughter.