Lily glared at Maxwell. “When did I say that?”
“In your dreams.” Maxwell smiled. “Perhaps Mr. Bennett could explain it better, but when you sleep, the brain operates more emotionally than when you're awake. So dreams are a way for people to confront their true feelings and thoughts, which they try to hide when conscious.”
“You know this so well, why don't you become a doctor?”
Just as things were getting tense, Maxwell’s phone rang, his face darkened as he answered the call from Simon. Meanwhile, Lily hurried into the bedroom to change out of her pajamas. A short while later, Simon arrived to drive Maxwell to the office.
Right on time, Mrs. Năm came by to clean. Lily took the opportunity to call Emily Hayes to check on her son.
“Everything's been okay lately? Have you two been having fun?”
Emily’s casual and surprised voice came through from the other end, “I’ve signed up little one for a swimming event. Everything’s normal, nothing to worry about. You once mentioned Zelda Bennett might cause trouble for us, so I hired two bodyguards just in case. But don’t worry, I’ve got news for you: bad deeds always come with consequences. I mean, how else would you explain someone falling into a sewer while just walking down the street! Ha ha..."
"..."
Lily was puzzled for a moment before she processed what Emily had said. “Zelda Bennett fell into a sewer? When did that happen? Why didn’t I know about this?”
Emily chuckled gleefully. “It happened this morning. Didn’t you read the news? Apparently, she broke her arm — the very hand she used to slap you. Karma, right?”
Lily rushed over to the dining table and grabbed the newspaper Maxwell had read earlier. Sure enough, alongside an article about Maxwell Thornton’s mysterious girlfriend, Lily Bennett, there was a piece about Gregory Bennett’s daughter, Zelda, falling into a sewer. It happened last night as she left the central hospital. Whether due to negligence or misstep, she fell into an uncovered drain, breaking her right arm...
Lily stared at the newspaper, and though laughing at someone’s misfortune wasn’t ideal, she couldn’t help but think, "Well, Emily’s right. Maybe karma really is at work."
On the way to the office, Simon skimmed through the latest news on his tablet and handed it over to Maxwell. The latest article about Zelda Bennett was displayed there. Maxwell gave it a quick glance, then nodded indifferently to Simon.
“Well done.”
It wasn’t often that Maxwell praised so generously, and Simon smiled, feeling pleased, before going on to report the day’s schedule. At that moment, a silver-gray car passed them, heading straight for Maxwell’s apartment. As Lily was debating whether to cook some soup for William Edsel, the doorbell rang.
“The housekeeper, could you get the door?”
Lily pulled out her phone, about to call William to ask him about Zelda Bennett’s situation. But as Mrs. Năm opened the door, Lida Yang appeared in the doorway. Lily’s hand froze mid-dial, her body stiffened in surprise. Seeing Lida standing there, she immediately abandoned her plan to call William.
So, she’d come at last. Did this mean money was on the way? Or would it be a check to make her leave her son?
Lida eyed the housekeeper standing at the door, her voice sharp and commanding, “You can leave now.”
Despite Lida’s words, Mrs. Năm hesitated and glanced anxiously at Lily. Even though she had only been working here for a little over a week, Mrs. Năm had grown fond of Lily, as she was both a wonderful cook and a polite young woman who always respected her elders.
Understanding Mrs. Năm’s concern, Lily smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry, just come back at the usual time tomorrow.”
Once reassured, Mrs. Năm packed up her things and quietly left. Lida had brought only one bodyguard, a large, muscular man. Lily gestured toward the sofa, inviting Lida to sit, keeping a poised and graceful demeanor. Despite the tension, Lily maintained an air of politeness, hoping to appear as a beautiful, kind woman on the outside, while hiding her sharpness beneath.
Lida walked over to the sofa with the elegance of a queen. The weather today was pleasant — ideal for family negotiations.
Lily smiled, breaking the silence first. “Would you like something to drink, ma’am? Coffee, perhaps...”
“No need.” Lida curtly cut her off before Lily could finish.
Feigning a small frown, Lily obediently sat across from Lida. “Maxwell went to the office early this morning. If you came to see him…”
“I came for you.”
A faint smile appeared on Lida’s otherwise composed face, betraying none of her deeper thoughts. She looked directly at Lily and said, “I have a few things to discuss with you — about you and my son.”
No need to guess. She’s here to make me leave. She’ll say whatever it takes, as long as I walk away from her son. Fine. Say it. I’ll agree, no matter what, as long as you give me the money I owe him.
A subtle smile crept onto Lily’s lips. “Please, go ahead, ma’am. I’m listening carefully.”
“Maxwell wants to get engaged to you. What do you think of that?” Lida’s words were carefully measured, as though she was testing Lily’s reaction before revealing her true intentions.
Dealing with a sharp, elegant woman like Lida made Lily feel slightly uncertain. She had to handle this carefully, or she might lose everything.
Calmly, Lily met Lida’s gaze. “Honestly, I think it’s up to Maxwell. But in my opinion, getting engaged might be a bit premature. If it doesn’t happen, it might even be for the best.” A vague answer was the safest choice, leaving Lida unsure of her true stance.
After hearing Lily’s response, the corners of Lida’s mouth lifted into a knowing smile. She extended her hand toward her bodyguard. Lily’s eyes lit up with anticipation.
Now he’s going to hand her a thick envelope, and she’ll toss it onto the table in front of me, telling me to leave immediately. The thought alone was a bit thrilling!