Chapter 778

"Hey," Alexander's grandmother, Margaret, snorted, but her gaze moved past him to Lily. "Aren't you going to introduce her to me?"

"Grandma, you'll get to know her on our wedding day," Alexander replied. After a pause, he continued, "Besides, you probably already know who she is. No need for introductions, right?"

"You!" Margaret gritted her teeth, her gaze hardening. Lily was speechless.

Though she couldn't hear their conversation, Lily saw Margaret's expression change after Alexander spoke. It was clear the older woman disliked, perhaps even loathed, her.

"Alex, how could you say that to your grandmother? She's just concerned about you," Alexander's aunt, Celine Russell, interjected more calmly. "And when are you getting married? When was it decided? What's the date? Why haven't we heard anything?"

Alexander smiled at Celine. "Aunt Celine, you seem very concerned about my wedding. Planning on sending a huge gift?"

The smile froze on Celine's face. "Of course! You're my nephew, and you're getting married soon. It's only right. However" Celine tilted her head, trying to see Lily, whom Alexander was shielding with his body. This overly protective stance made Celine think he was being excessive.

"You're getting married, but you haven't introduced your wife to your grandmother or me. It seems you don't consider us family," Celine said, half-jokingly. "I hear her name is Lily Christian. Is that right? Mr. Wilfred Lodge's granddaughter?"

"Wow, Aunt Celine, you know everything! No need for introductions unless you want to hear about how we met and our daily life." Celine was momentarily stunned. "Alex!"

"Grandma, it's rare to see you out shopping. I won't keep you. Please continue choosing diamond rings. And since we met so unexpectedly, I'd like to remind you not to forget a gift for your granddaughter-in-law at the wedding."

Margaret gritted her teeth, her hand clenching the couch armrest so tightly her knuckles were white. Her face muscles trembled, betraying her suppressed anger.

Alexander pretended not to notice and turned to leave, putting his arm around Lily's waist as they walked away.

Lily was unaware of the exchange between the three Russells, but sensed it had been unpleasant. From the store onward, Alexander remained silent, his grip on her waist tight. It wasn't a gentle hold; it felt more like a drowning man clinging to driftwood.

Lily felt his distress and remained silent, letting him hold her until they reached their car. He released her, unlocked the car, but his tense expression remained. This wasn't his usual demeanor. She'd seen him serious, even furious before, but this was different—a suppressed rage simmering beneath the surface.

She opened the passenger door and sat down. She would wait for him to speak. He didn't start the car, and they sat in silence.