Chapter 1501

Alex called last night, saying he’d returned but couldn’t yet come home; he needed to settle some things. He told me not to worry.

Regarding Edward, I didn't speak with him. I was in a rush and didn't think to ask. I’ll ask Alex next time he calls, I promise! Lily offered reassurance, though she wasn't entirely truthful. She hadn't thought to ask Alexander, but more importantly, Edward wasn't even there.

Olivia, however, seemed unconcerned, accepting Lily's explanation without question. Nodding, she said, "Okay! Ask him for me next time. If he lost it through carelessness, I'll teach him a lesson when he gets back! We promised to keep our rings safe; how could he lose it? I'm starting to doubt his combat skills."

Lily, feeling uneasy, quickly interjected, "You're right! How about I get some tools ready for you? You can punish him in a thousand ways then."

"There's no need for that. I'm not that crazy yet!" Olivia muttered, pausing, then noticing Lily yawning. "I didn't sleep well last night because of the call! I'm going to nap. You should too. We can rest now that we know they're fine."

Seeing Lily's exhaustion, Olivia nodded. "Okay then. I'll go home. Have a good nap! Mr. Russell shouldn't have called you in the middle of the night while you're pregnant! He needs to learn better timing."

"That's right! I'll teach him a lesson too!" Lily agreed, and Olivia chuckled, imagining Alexander's punishment.

"I'll be leaving now!" Olivia picked up her bag, then returned, remembering something. "Oh, right. Remember the Yudonian royals wanting custom perfumes...?"

"Didn't I tell you we wouldn't accept their order?" Lily mused, momentarily forgetting. She'd been preoccupied lately and had no time for the troublesome and potentially awkward commission. She wasn't interested in political favors, only focusing on her perfumery. If they liked her products, they could simply buy them. Custom orders depended entirely on her mood.

"I did reject them, but they sent two more emails, less polite than the first. Since they're royals, I didn't want to offend them too much, so I wanted your opinion." Olivia paused. "By the way, I forwarded the emails. You were probably too busy to check them. Look at them when you have time."

"Even if we reject them, we shouldn't end on a bad note. We're not currying favor, but we shouldn't offend them either. It wouldn't benefit us." Olivia's mind, previously clouded by worry over Edward, was now clear. The urgency to visit Burnwken had overshadowed the matter, but with Edward's well-being confirmed, she could prioritize it.

Lily agreed. They shouldn't antagonize the royals, regardless of their intentions. Offending them was never a good idea.

"I understand. I'll check my inbox later. Rest well the next few days and stay home if possible," Lily said.