Chapter 519

"Is that…?" Jenny’s disbelief was palpable, even with the answer before her eyes. "It's you?!"

Lily was amused by Jenny’s reaction. "What's wrong? Why can't it be me?" She mused that she might have told Jenny earlier had she known how interesting Jenny's reaction would be.

"No, that's not it. It's…" Jenny struggled to process the sudden revelation. "Is it really you?! Didn't the rumors say…"

Olivia explained, "Lily and Mr. Russell visited me at the hospital that day, but my attention was entirely on my mother. The photo's angle is misleading; it's an optical illusion caused by misplacement. That's why there was such a misunderstanding." A wave of sadness washed over her at the mention of her mother.

Jenny examined the photo. "Oh, right, you're right! I see the angle now!" she exclaimed. "Those reporters are so careless! They didn't check their facts before spreading gossip. I almost made a fool of myself!"

Lily comfortingly placed a hand on Olivia's shoulder. Although her mother's passing had been painful, time had eased the grief. Olivia had learned to be strong; she felt only a touch of sadness, not consumed by it.

Lily couldn't understand Brittany's initial misidentification, but the photo made it clear. Olivia had seemingly taken the blame. "You kept this secret so well!" Jenny slapped Lily's shoulder, understanding now.

"When did you get together? Why didn't you tell me?! Oh, you knew too? When? How could you both hide it from me?!" Jenny's anger flared, arms crossed. Olivia replied hastily, "I only found out recently. I didn't intentionally hide it, but…" She paused, unsure how to explain. Glancing at Lily, she continued, "This is my fault. I didn't want to disclose our relationship because of Alex's identity."

Lily continued after a brief pause, "You should understand. There were so many rumors when I joined Rebirth. Going public with our relationship would have made working impossible."

Although doubts about Lily lingered, they no longer mattered. She'd proven her abilities, won an international award, and earned Mr. Parker's recognition. This success was incredibly encouraging. She wanted to achieve more through her own talent and hard work.

"Ah… that's true," Jenny recalled her earlier doubts and Lily's reasons. She’d firmly rejected Lily then, as had others. "Still, going public earlier would have made things easier. Some might have questioned it, but no one would have dared fault you."

Even if Jenny hadn't accepted Lily then, she would have still recognized her as a significant supporter behind the scenes. However, Lily wouldn't have been given vital work; others would have treated her as an underutilized employee.

Lily smiled. "Yes, that's right. No one would have dared fault me, but no one would have dared use me either. I knew you wouldn't have let me into the lab, Jenny. Even if you had, you wouldn't have given me any projects. Am I right?"

Jenny laughed. Her thoughts were mirrored perfectly. "It's good that you know that."

They'd worked together for a long time; Jenny knew Lily's talent and capability. Therefore, even knowing about her relationship with Alexander, she wouldn't assume Lily relied on it. "This news genuinely surprised me. Mr. Will knows, too, right?" Jenny felt emotional but gradually accepted the news. Lily nodded. "So, I was the only one in the dark?!" Jenny reigned in her anger.