Chapter 649

"What's wrong?" Alexander asked, his calm demeanor betraying a flicker of relief at seeing Lily safe. "Are you alright?"

Lily shook her head. "I accidentally spilled something."

"It doesn't matter, as long as you're fine," Alexander replied, glancing at the spill. He then addressed someone at the door. "Call someone to clean this up, and be careful." Pausing, he turned back to Lily. "Is there anything you need to retrieve before they clean?"

Lily held up two small bottles. "These."

"Can we go then?" Alexander asked.

Lily nodded, clearly tired. The day's events and extended experimentation had been exhausting.

The branch manager had been quite surprised by Mr. Russell's visit. He hadn't conducted an inspection, nor had he requested a work report; he simply used the laboratory and departed.

"If you don't like it, we don't have to return to the Lodge family residence today," Alexander said once they were in the car.

They'd been advised not to leave Sapphine, but Alexander's resolve was unshakeable. Their continued presence in Sapphine and at the Lodge residence stemmed not from confinement, but from their determination to uncover the truth and clear Lily's name.

"No, let's go back," Lily said, resting her head on Alexander's shoulder. His presence offered profound comfort. "Even if we sleep elsewhere, we won't get a good night's rest." If Henry possessed incriminating "evidence," wouldn't he be eager to use it?

The gentle sway of the car lulled Lily towards drowsiness. She checked her phone, then, remembering something, opened her web browser.

Unsurprisingly, news of her grandfather's death dominated the headlines. Most intriguing was the delay in reporting his death—several days after it occurred—and the fact that the news had been released by someone outside the Lodge family.

Why had the family concealed it? Was there a secret involved? Speculation was inevitable.

Lily browsed, fingers scrolling, anticipating an imminent outburst from someone.

After a few minutes, an unfamiliar number called. Lily kept her contact list minimal.

"Hello?"

"Lily, where are you?" Jonathan's voice was thick with concern. His unexpected call surprised her.

"On our way back," Lily replied, her voice laced with weariness. "What's the matter, Granduncle Jonathan?"

Knowing she was returning, Jonathan said little more. After a pause, he simply stated, "It's nothing. Let's talk when you get back."