Chapter 1462

Lily pulled Olivia aside, offering her a glass of ice water to calm her nerves. Olivia refused at first, but under Lily's gentle insistence, she took the cup. The cold glass seemed to soothe her, but her tears continued to flow.

"Lily, tell me what happened to Edward," she pleaded, her voice choked with emotion. "Whatever it is, I can handle it. As long as he's alive… Lily, you have to tell me." Another wave of tears overwhelmed her.

Lily, unsure how to comfort her friend, sighed softly. "Honestly, Olivia, I don't know."

"How can that be? Edward's been with Mr. Russell the entire time. Did Mr. Russell—"

"No!" Lily interrupted, then continued quietly. "Alex hasn't contacted me in twelve days."

"Twelve days?!" Olivia's tears momentarily ceased as shock registered on her face. Her eyes widened. "But you said… they were safe."

"Yes," Lily admitted. "I just wanted to reassure you. I have no idea what's happening." She paused, glancing upstairs before continuing. "I'm flying to Burnwken in two days."

"You're going to Burnwken?!" Olivia leaned forward, her voice urgent. "You're going to Burnwken?!"

"Yes," Lily confirmed, nodding.

Before Lily could respond, Olivia exclaimed, "Take me with you! I'm begging you! I need to see what's going on. Wasn't this just a business trip? Weren't they supposed to be back in a week? What's happening? Why did someone send me his wedding ring?" Her tears returned. "Even if he's dead, I need to see his body before I can accept it!"

Lily patted Olivia's back, trying to understand the situation. "Olivia, you said someone sent you his wedding ring. Who was it? Did they say anything?"

"No, nothing!" Olivia choked, shaking her head. "I just found a box on my doorstep. Inside was the ring… and…" She paused, a fresh wave of tears erupting.

Lily, bewildered, urged her on. "Don't cry! What else?"

"Lily, something happened to Edward! Something must have! Look…" Olivia produced a small handkerchief, slowly unfolding it to reveal its contents.

Lily gasped. A chill ran down her spine. It was a piece of human skin, bearing a tattoo.

"This…" Lily whispered.

"It's Edward's," Olivia sobbed. "It's the tattoo on his chest. I recognized it instantly! Something must have happened to him! Lily, let's go to Burnwken. Please, let's go together!"