When she realized the person had stopped walking, Lily instinctively hid her face, afraid of being discovered.

"They won't be able to see you from here," Alexander said calmly, smiling as he rose. He walked to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Lily glared at him. "You knew nothing could be clearly seen from this distance? You said we were here to watch a play. Are you testing my eyesight? I'm not a hawk!"

Alexander's smile deepened. He handed her something. "You are not a hawk, but you have better tools."

Lily peered down, noticing high-magnification binoculars. He was well prepared! Intrigued by this unfolding drama, she forbore from reprimanding him for his delayed offering. She used the binoculars to observe the two cars. Everything was crystal clear.

Lily gasped upon seeing the person's face.

"Nathaniel?!" How could it be him? Why was he in Sapphine City at this time? And hadn't he been missing for a while?

The man in the other car remained inside, much to Lily's frustration. Shortly after, they began to argue. Finally, the man emerged, and they addressed each other. Henry Lodge!

It looked like this would be an exciting play indeed! She never would have believed it, if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes.

"Henry framed me because he colluded with Nate? For revenge?" Lily blurted out.

She quickly revised her theory. "No! Nate lacks the influence to manipulate Henry. Henry's ultimate goal is to control the entire Lodge family."

"The reason for their collaboration matters less than knowing their every move," Alexander said nonchalantly. He took the binoculars, examining the scene. "If I'm right, their next step is to confirm your candle is indeed poisonous."

"They don't know my methods, even if they know the formula…" Lily paused, correcting herself. "No, Nate knows."

After all, they had been together a long time, and Nathaniel knew her well. He could easily replicate her methods with expert help or high-end perfumers.

"He's despicable!" she snarled. He was willing to frame others for fame and fortune.

"A mere candle isn't enough to implicate Justin. Besides, Justin can extricate himself by shifting all blame to you," Alexander said calmly, holding the binoculars. "You're not your uncle's target."

"Justin wouldn't do that!" she exclaimed, clenching her fist.

Lily felt furious and frustrated. She wanted to rush in and expose their conspiracy, but knew it would be futile. Would claiming collusion work? Henry could easily dismiss it as a casual meeting.

Lily knew revealing her knowledge would put her at a disadvantage. This incident revealed self-serving Lodge relatives and outside influence. Without such leverage, Henry would be powerless.

She was determined to clear her name and end the Lodge family's disgrace once and for all.