Chapter 632

"No, there won't be an 'or'," Alexander said, waving dismissively. "They'll pin it on Justin."

The elders, despite their desire for a coup and the ensuing power, treated Lily as an outsider. Overthrowing Justin would be difficult, however, without shifting blame for Wilfred's death onto the scented candles he'd used, especially given the family doctor's consistent oversight of Wilfred's health.

"That's why I need to find the culprit who tampered with the candles," Lily frowned. "Justin said only he, Roger, and I had direct contact."

"But Roger's been loyal to Grandpa for years. It can't be him. I don't understand how or when it happened," she added, puzzled.

Alexander mused, "The Lodge residence is large, with many visitors and morning training sessions. It's difficult to guarantee no one else accessed the candles."

"No, that's impossible," Lily countered. "Even branch family members only stayed in the outer hall; they were forbidden from the main residential area, especially Grandpa's quarters." She paused. "We lack security cameras, but our self-defense training honed our senses. No one could have slipped past unnoticed."

"Then it must have been Roger," Alexander concluded.

"No way!" Lily exclaimed, shaking her head vehemently. "Our family, even Justin, trusted Roger implicitly."

"Let's eliminate any doubt," Alexander said, rising and stretching. "Then we'll have our answer, however improbable it may seem. Let's go."

"Go where?" Lily asked, surprised by his abrupt change of plans.

Alexander smiled, a half-joke in his eyes. "We've just eaten; let's walk it off. Besides, I haven't explored your old home. Time for a tour!"

Lily gazed out at the darkening landscape, the front porch still brightly lit. Alex is right. It's the same Lodge family, where I grew up. It's my home. Why be afraid? she thought. "Sure, why not!" she smiled readily.

Chapter 633

At the Tanner family's company building, Arianna knocked and entered the new project manager's office.

A strong, strange scent hit her; she recoiled, coughing and sneezing until she could adjust. "What on earth are you doing?" she frowned, waving a hand and covering her nose. Numerous bottles, emitting strange gases, were scattered about. She struggled to breathe.

"If you're going to gas yourself, do it somewhere else, not in the company building!" she exclaimed, opening a window. Turning to Nathaniel, she said, "We need to talk."