Chapter 430

"Yes, pretend you didn't see it," Lily said, turning to look at the wooden crane sculpture. "Consider it a break. You won't have much time to relax; the new project is about to start."

"A new project?" Olivia asked eagerly. She hadn't worked in a while and was eager to get started. Although lab work could be exhausting, it was also rewarding.

"Soon!"

Alexander was shocked to see the wooden crane sculpture in the living room when he arrived home. It was striking.

"This is" he said hesitantly.

Lily, having just cleared a space to move the sculpture, saw him. "You're back just in time," she said, waving him over. "Help me move this."

"Need help?" He removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and waved her away. He effortlessly lifted the sculpture and moved it to the cleared space.

"You bought this?"

"Someone gave it to me," Lily replied, shaking her head and examining it carefully. The artistry was exquisite; the lines were smooth, the sculpture lifelike, and even the eyes were charming. She clearly loved it.

"That's what you mentioned on the phone this morning?" Alexander asked, pointing in surprise. He'd initially thought it was a prank; he hadn't expected it to be so striking and original. Whoever sent it showed considerable creativity.

"Yeah," she said, nodding, her chin resting in her hand. She seemed lost in thought. Benedict sent this; he doesn't plan to disappear completely, does he? she wondered.

Alexander, rolling up his sleeves further, picked up the sculpture again.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Lily asked, snapping back to the present.

"Throwing it away!" he declared.

"Don't!" she exclaimed, grabbing his arm to stop him. Fearing he might change his mind, she also took hold of his hands. "I want to give it to someone!"

"Give it to someone? Who?" He became instantly more alert.

Lily, finding his guarded expression amusing despite her helplessness, said, "An elderly person."

"Elderly" He looked back at the sculpture. It did have an angelic quality, making it suitable for an older person. He calmed down slightly. "Who? Why haven't I heard you mention this before?"

Lily's expression darkened, and she looked distressed.