Chapter 626

Alexander smiled, turning Lily to face him. He gently placed her hand on his chest, saying warmly, "The heart is not always cold; it’s also warm. How could you be so pessimistic, my love?"

His words made Lily blush. Her hand, resting on his chest, remained motionless, warmed by his body. "You knew this was a game and accompanied me through it all. Now you're stuck here with me. I'm sorry," she sighed softly.

Alexander's eyes darkened. He leaned down and bit her lips, not gently, but fiercely, causing her to gasp. After releasing her, he stared into her eyes. "Remember this as a lesson. I will punish you if you ever speak to me like a stranger again."

Lily was silent. He's such a domineering yet tender man, she thought. Her lips felt numb. "Still," she murmured, "the reality is we're stuck here, and they won't give me the answer I want."

Earlier, in the mourning hall, she had seen through the plot. The murder and the accusations were a conspiracy to seize power from Justin. She understood; Justin naturally did as well. What she didn't understand was why Justin seemed to let it go. He had been in power for years—why fear a so-called elder who suddenly reappeared?

"If they don't give you the answer, then we'll find it ourselves!" Alexander said lightly, his voice devoid of worry or anxiety.

Lily noticed his composure, his unshakeable calm and unwavering faith. His presence brought her peace.

"Yes! We'll find out for ourselves!" she nodded. "But I still want to see Justin first."

"You want to ask him why?" Alexander's eyebrows rose, his understanding evident.

"Yes. Even if Justin has his reasons, I still want to know why."

"Want me to accompany you?" he asked, taking her hand.

"No. There might be spies. I don't know if he'll tell me anything, but Henry might come looking for you."

"Then I'll wait for him," he said, a hint of disapproval in his tone. Seeing her about to leave, he reached out. "Wait a minute."

"Yes?"

A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," Alexander said.

A maid entered with a dinner plate, the aroma of food filling the room. "It's been a long day. You must be hungry. Eat something first," Alexander said, taking Lily's hand and seating her at the table. He instructed the maid to set the food down.

Lily hadn't felt hungry until Alexander mentioned it.

The maid placed the food and cutlery, then left, closing the door. Lily turned, noticing someone had rearranged the cutlery, and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you afraid someone might have poisoned the food?" After all, there had been talk of poisoning.

Alexander smiled, raising his head. "If Henry, or anyone, could solve this with such crude methods, why all the theatrics?"