Chapter 922

She didn't want to deal with complicated family dynamics, but knew marrying Alexander made it inevitable. More situations like this were bound to arise. Would she always need his help? She yearned to stand beside him, equal partners, even though he was so protective. She wanted him to know she could handle things independently, to avoid holding him back or causing him worry.

After two aspirin and another glass of water, Lily felt stronger.

"Madame, are you feeling better? Should we go to the hospital?" the maid asked anxiously.

Lily shook her head. "Is there any food?"

"I've prepared pumpkin soup and bread. It's still warm. Would you like some?"

"A bowl on the table to cool. I'll be out shortly," Lily replied. "And a plate of bread. Please invite the guests in."

"Very well," the maid responded.

Lily leaned on the table as she stood, her legs feeling unsteady. Looking in the mirror, she saw she looked pale and applied some makeup.

I'll just meet them. How bad could it be? Polite guests get polite treatment; rude ones get shown the door. How bad could it be?

Outside, Celine fanned herself and Margaret in the midday sun. The heat was oppressive. Margaret's scowl deepened, her impatience growing.

"See, Mom? Just like yesterday!" Celine exclaimed, fanning herself. "At least she didn't send us away outright, but this delay... If people knew, we'd be the town's laughingstock! No grandmother is denied entry upon visiting her grandson. Alex used to have manners! He's become outrageous since being with that woman!" Celine huffed.

Margaret's earlier dissatisfaction simmered. "Are you finished? Aren't you tired?" Celine's incessant chatter only aggravated her already frayed nerves. Margaret disliked her granddaughter-in-law intensely.

Does she think she can just waltz in and steal my grandson? I know what you're up to, little vixen! These women all wanted the Russell family's wealth. Margaret initially believed Alexander's temperament would prevent him from seriously pursuing anyone like Lily; she saw it as a fleeting amusement. She hadn't anticipated marriage. But then again, he'd always been rebellious, defying her at every turn. His mother had been much the same, and since her death, Alexander was her only remaining source of irritation. She was genuinely curious to meet the woman who'd managed to subdue him.

The door clicked open as Margaret's thoughts spiraled. "Madams, Mrs. Russell will see you now," the maid announced.