Chapter 631

"I know what the number is," Alexander said, appearing behind Lily and taking her hand. He then turned to Edward. "You can go now."

Edward nodded and left, carefully closing the door behind him.

"Seriously? You're jealous about this? I was just trying to help Olivia!" Lily waved her phone at Alexander.

"Of course, I know that!" Alexander lightly pinched her nose and pulled her onto his lap. "So, what did Justin say?"

"I think he was worried. He didn't say much, but I'm sure he knows something. I just don't know why he'd let them do as they please," Lily explained.

Alexander considered this for a moment before asking, "You're saying he's relinquished his position as head of the family?"

"I assumed he did it to prevent a family feud. But judging by the current situation, I don't think it's working." Lily hadn't anticipated so many problems arising so soon after her grandfather's death. The Lodge family elders had caused a huge commotion at the funeral, leaving Lily genuinely upset.

"It seems the elders are using their authority to isolate you and Justin. Am I right?" Alexander asked.

Lily nodded solemnly. "I never expected Henry to cause such a problem."

Alexander shook his head. "I don't think it's just Henry. He wouldn't have stirred up such a commotion alone. People are supporting him because of their own self-interests."

Lily agreed. She, too, suspected the elders were united by their intertwined personal agendas.

Lily sighed. "I thought with age, their ambitions would lessen, that they'd be content with their share of the family profits."

During the confrontation, Lily had noticed the elders were mostly neutral regarding the family head. Yet, when Henry voiced his dissatisfaction, most immediately sided with him—likely due to promised benefits.

"Even if the elders oppose him, Justin's been head of the family for years. How could he give up his position so easily? He could've used his authority to overrule them! Why let them walk all over him?!" Lily exclaimed, frustrated.

Looking at her flustered face, Alexander chuckled softly. "You think they walked all over him?" Lily was speechless.

"He only relinquished his position temporarily. Besides, don't you remember who he gave it to?" Alexander explained patiently.

"You mean Justin intentionally gave the position to Granduncle Jonathan to create a disagreement between them?" Lily finally understood Justin's intentions.

Still, she was slightly doubtful. "Even so, now that they have the position, they'll never give it back."

Alexander tapped Lily's forehead. "Justin didn't give them control of the company, did he? Giving up his position as family head isn't as simple as handing over keys and documents. Being the head of a prestigious family like the Lodges…it's not simple. As you said, Justin held the position for years. Don't you think he's built connections and strategies for handling conflicts?"

Lily felt enlightened. "I'm such a fool! Why didn't I think of that!"

"You're not a fool. You're too focused on your work. Honestly, I'd prefer you remain unaware of these issues if possible. I don't want you involved in something like this," Alexander clarified, gently stroking her hair. "I should be the one dealing with such matters."

"I can't always hide behind you," Lily countered, sitting up straight and meeting his gaze. "Considering them, I don't think they'll try to find the real culprit who killed Grandfather. They'll likely pin it on Justin or me within three days."