Chapter 618

"No matter what you say, I want to pay my respects to Grandpa first!" Lily insisted. There was no point arguing. She wanted to pay her respects and, if possible, examine his body to understand what had happened.

Henry stepped forward, blocking the doorway. "You don't have the right!" he declared, waving a hand. "Take her down!"

The surrounding people surged forward, clearly intending to use force.

"Wait!" Alexander shouted, stepping in front of Lily. He fixed Henry with a steady gaze. "Aren't you afraid of the ridicule if word gets out that you're fighting during Wilfred Lodge's funeral?"

Henry squinted, looking down at Alexander disdainfully. "Who are you? You have no right to interfere in Lodge family affairs!"

"I'm Lily's husband, and Mr. Lodge was my maternal grandfather," Alexander replied calmly. "Therefore, I do have a right. If I remember correctly, Justin is the head of the family. He hasn't spoken, yet you're already acting. Since when has the Lodge family abandoned all etiquette?"

Henry, unfazed by Alexander's disdain, toyed with a ring on his pinky finger. "Your information is outdated," he said slowly. "My nephew was the head, but I'm back now. Time for the youngsters to step aside."

It was exactly as Alexander suspected: Justin had lost his authority. The speed with which this had happened—Justin had been head of the family for a considerable time—struck him as suspicious. The entire situation was rife with coincidences.

"I want to meet Justin!" Lily declared loudly. This uncle, whom she hadn't seen in years, was acting suspiciously, having seemingly seized control of the family. She needed to speak with Justin before attempting to understand the situation.

"Justin is grieving and resting," Henry said coldly. "You, a murderer, have no right to see Justin or your grandfather. Admit your mistake, and perhaps the elders will consider a lighter punishment, given your Lodge blood."

"I won't admit to something I didn't do!" Lily stood firm, stepping forward. "I will pay my respects to my grandfather today. Let's see who dares stop me!"

Grief and anger warred within her. This uncle, absent for years, had upended the family upon his return. What was his plan? She stared directly at him, advancing towards the house.

"Take her down!" Henry commanded coldly, confidently turning and walking back towards the house. He was certain his men could restrain Lily. They were skilled fighters, albeit not Lodge family members, while she was merely a young woman who had never seriously trained in martial arts and had been away from the family for years. It should be easy.