Chapter 1201

"You're just saying that," Hannah said, her disappointment evident as she noted his distraction.

"Dude, what makes you think I'm in the mood for this? We're going to die! Do you know what death is? If we're dead, we'll have nothing! You've worked so hard your whole life, why give up now? We can't die!" Ralph roared, his impatience palpable.

"Are you that afraid of dying?" Hannah asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ralph didn't hesitate. "Of course! I'm terrified! I don't want to die. I want to keep living. My life is great, why would I want to die?"

Hannah nodded calmly. "Okay. I understand."

He sensed a subtle shift in her tone but ignored it, consumed by misery. Hunger gnawed at his empty stomach, pain and exhaustion wracked his body, and his throat felt on fire. He remained silent, conserving his energy.

He fell asleep near dawn.

At 10 a.m., Lily arrived at the Riggs family residence. Alexander, worried, accompanied her but waited outside, parking the car a short distance from the house. He discreetly placed a tiny earbud in her ear and, for what felt like the hundredth time, cautioned, "If anything happens..."

She finished his sentence, "Press the button immediately, and rush in with your men. Don't overextend yourself. Don't confront her directly; we can discuss anything she brings up later at home."

She had heard his instructions countless times the previous day and could recite them by heart.

Alexander was momentarily stunned, then offered a helpless yet adoring smile. "You..." He couldn't bring himself to be angry, so he pinched her nose. "Just remember. I'll be waiting."

"Okay," Lily nodded, opening the door. A sudden thought struck her. She turned back, leaning in to kiss the corner of Alexander's mouth.

He caught his breath. As she started to leave again, he gently pulled her back, cupping the back of her head before their lips met in a passionate kiss.

They kissed until breathless, their noses touching. Lily whispered, her voice husky, "Hey, you're making this sound like a permanent goodbye."

"Don't say that! It's bad luck!" Alexander covered her mouth, frowning.

Lily chuckled. "Since when are you superstitious?"

"Better safe than sorry, especially when it's you," he replied thoughtfully.

Seeing his concern, Lily stopped teasing. "I'll be careful," she said, her tone equally serious.

Satisfied, he released her and watched as she entered the gate, disappearing into a waiting car. He made a phone call.

Lily rode in the car to the house. The maids were polite but remained silent, their gazes averted.