Chapter 898

"How am I still alive?" The young man's smile widened, revealing a maturity far beyond the unruly youth he once was. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, his hair neatly combed, a briefcase in hand, he looked every inch the businessman. If he hadn't spoken Lily's name, she might not have recognized him. "Don't say that," Lily frowned, uncomfortable with his words, even though they were directed at himself. "It's just... I haven't seen you in a long time."

Jenny watched curiously as Lily interacted with the handsome young man at a nearby table.

"I've been occupied," he replied with a slight smile. "Why don't we grab a coffee, since we've run into each other? My treat."

Since this encounter was unusual, and she'd finished her work, Lily agreed. "Sure."

"You're..." Jenny hesitated, unsure whether to interrupt.

"He's a friend," Lily smiled. "Jen, would you like to join us for coffee, or head back to rest?"

Jenny considered this. "I'll go shopping; we leave soon. It's been two days, and I haven't had a chance yet."

"Okay, text me if anything's urgent," Lily said, rising to her feet.

The pair went to a café, ordered coffee and desserts, and settled down to enjoy a rare moment of peace. Lily stirred her coffee, her gaze on the young man, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She remembered their first meeting—a blunt, strong-willed boy. Now, sitting before her, was a man.

Like a true gentleman, he carefully placed a slice of cake on a plate for her.

After a moment's hesitation, Lily asked, "Where have you been?"

Benedict looked up, smiling. "Are you asking how I rose from the dead?"

Lily shook her head. "I never believed you were dead. I heard about it, of course, but it always felt… untrue."

"Oh?" Benedict raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why's that?"

Could she have sensed he was still alive?

"If even a recluse like me heard about your death, it must have been huge news. Your parents must have suffered terribly, yet it was strange they hadn't held a funeral after all this time. Besides, there was no concrete proof—no body, no video evidence, no detailed account of what happened. The news was so vague, it made me wonder if something was being concealed."

If Benedict had hoped for signs of grief from Lily, he found none. She was far too composed.