Chapter 1715
The two exchanged surprised glances. It wasn't what they expected. Cameron, desperately needing what Rhea had used to control him, should have eagerly sought out the person possessing it. Instead, he insisted on turning them away.
"Can you please ask him again? Tell him it's Mr. and Mrs. Russell—" Lily attempted a more precise instruction to the servant, but the door slammed shut before she finished. "Please leave. Secretary Rollins is not seeing anyone today," the servant announced.
The abrupt dismissal was unnecessary; Alexander was well-known to the staff. The servant's deliberate refusal to admit them was obvious.
Lily started to knock, but Alexander restrained her wrist, gently shaking his head and indicating another direction with his eyes. Puzzled, she followed his gaze to a piece of clothing waving from a second-floor window on the west end. It was Anastasia, signaling them to the back door.
Rounding the house, they found Anastasia waiting by the usually closed back entrance. She eagerly opened it, enveloping Lily in a hug. "Lily, you guys are finally here!"
Lily hugged Anastasia back, whispering, "This isn't the right place to talk."
"Yes, yes!" Anastasia quickly glanced around. "Come to my room."
Lily and Alexander followed her without hesitation. Lily entered, then looked back to see Alexander hesitating at the doorway.
"Why are you standing there? Come inside quickly, or my father might see you!" Anastasia whispered urgently.
Alexander frowned, rooted to the spot. He didn't mind sneaking in, but entering a girl's bedroom felt inappropriate. Lily understood his hesitation; Anastasia waved it away dismissively.
"Who cares? It'll be hard to talk if you don't come inside. And my father might see you!" She forcefully pulled him in. He reluctantly yielded to her strength, convinced she was right. Anastasia shut the door.
Lily began to speak, but Anastasia silenced her with a gesture, pressing her ear to the door to listen. Satisfied, she whispered, "Okay, I think nobody saw you guys."