Chapter 651
"You're right. I'm a suspect, but I'm not afraid of an investigation," Lily said, offering Jonathan a faint smile. "Besides, everyone in this family is a potential culprit."
"Since you oversee family affairs and claim to seek justice for Grandfather, a thorough investigation is warranted. Remember, the three-day deadline approaches. Tomorrow, I expect a satisfactory answer."
Jonathan was taken aback by Lily's assertive demeanor. She was the most suspicious, yet he was the one expected to provide an explanation?
"Lily! Stop this! My reluctance to escalate this was for the Lodge family's reputation. Now that you've publicized it, what is your intention?!" He slammed his cane on the floor.
"An explanation? Fine. You needn't wait for the elders. The lab report confirms chronic poison in the scented candles. Confess now, and this remains a family matter. Otherwise, we go to the authorities."
Tsk tsk, a direct accusation with no evidence, Lily mused. She'd expected at least a pretense of evidence, not a summary conviction.
Lily laughed, a bitter sound. "Fine. I'll gladly go to court and face jail. The police, unlike our family, operate on evidence. It's anyone's guess who'll be arrested."
"Do you think you can escape your crime?" Jonathan sneered, his eyes suddenly fixed on Alexander. "So, that's why you disregard your elders. You have outside support."
Lily started to retort, but Alexander calmly interjected, "Since I'm implicated, I must speak. Sir..."
His use of "Sir" instead of "Granduncle" subtly distanced himself.
"Sir, I'm biased. I support my wife. To be fair, I haven't interfered, but since you mention it, I will protect her. La Beautรฉ Group excels in beauty, entertainment, and media. How do you want the media to portray recent Lodge family events?"
Lily had never seen him speak so calmly, yet so threateningly. The polite tone belied a chilling undercurrent.
"W-Why, you!" Jonathan gasped, clutching his chest. "Lily! I refused to believe you'd do this to your grandfather, but this alliance with an outsider...this disrespect!"
"You use your age as a weapon, yet you're the unreasonable one," Alexander countered indifferently, the words a sharp stab to Jonathan's heart. The old man choked with anger. "You're old; rest. Why cling to fame and fortune at your age?"
Alexander took Lily's hand. "We won't disturb your rest, sir. Goodnight."
Lily needed no further response. Alexander had it handled. Silently, she followed him upstairs.