Chapter 885
Flora had never seen any old photos of Lillian before. When she saw this one, she was absolutely delighted and compared it to her younger self.
The youthful innocence, the gestures, and the smile were exactly the same. Even the eyes and eyebrows looked like they belonged to the same person.
Flora's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Jackson with excitement.
"See, I wasn't lying to you."
"It's really uncanny! Do you have any more old photos of Lillian? Can I see them?"
Flora asked excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat.
Jackson grinned, "Sure thing, let me show you..."
He took out his phone and started scrolling through old photos for Flora.
Half an hour later, Lillian and Ambrose followed Oberon into the office, and the first thing they heard was Flora's laughter.
Lillian had been a bit worried that Jackson and Flora might not get along, but to her surprise, they were sitting close together on the couch, both smiling.
She blinked in surprise, while Oberon's face instantly fell.
He thought he had only taken his eyes off them for a moment, and Jackson was already trying to charm Flora, too?
"What are you two talking about?" Oberon asked in a deep voice as he strode over.
Jackson turned at the sound of Oberon's voice. Seeing him approach, Jackson stood up.
Before he could say anything, Flora excitedly waved at Oberon.
"Look, Lillian was so cute and pretty when she was little!"
Oberon had never seen Lillian's childhood photos either. Hearing this, he immediately forgot his anger and took Jackson's spot to look at the photos on Jackson's phone.
Lillian raised an eyebrow at Jackson, questioning him silently.
Jackson walked over to her, naturally bending slightly to take her hand, and whispered, "Are you tired?"
He was always worried about Lillian's health.
Lillian shook her head. "How do you have photos of me as a child on your phone?"
Jackson squeezed her hand gently and bent down a bit more.
"I treasure them."
Lillian glanced up at him. "You're so sneaky."
He must have planned this all along, knowing that showing these photos would win over both Oberon and Flora.
Jackson looked falsely aggrieved. "Why do you always think the worst of me, just like my grandma? Can't it be that I just want to keep every moment of you on my phone to look at when I miss you?"
Lillian chuckled. "So, I'm your spiritual sustenance, your emotional comfort?"
"Smart girl, you know it." Jackson laughed.
At that moment, a voice suddenly came from behind them.
"Can you two acknowledge my existence?"
Ambrose stood there, expressionless, feeling completely ignored.
Lillian turned and saw Ambrose, her ears turning red. She glared at Jackson.
Jackson, however, tightened his grip on her hand and said to Ambrose, "Do you need a date? I can set you up. We couples can't stand seeing others alone."
Ambrose forced a smile. "Thanks, but I'm not lonely."
Jackson leaned closer to Lillian and said, "You heard him. Ambrose doesn't mind. Let's keep going."
Ambrose was speechless.
Lillian was also at a loss for words. Just as she was about to say something, Oberon turned to look at them.
Oberon's gaze zeroed in on their tightly clasped hands.
He had already seen Jackson holding Lillian's hand openly in the meeting room earlier. Now, Jackson dared to do it right in front of him.
Oberon coughed heavily. Lillian looked at him and, seeing his expression, felt a pang of anxiety.
She tried to pull her hand away, but Jackson, not wanting to let go, reluctantly released her hand to avoid hurting her.
Lillian quickly hid her hand behind her back, looking obedient.
Oberon was somewhat satisfied. He looked at Jackson and said, "Thank you, Mr. Frane, for saving Lillian and escorting her back. The Kelly family is very grateful, but we don't want to take up too much of your time. I've arranged a private jet for you. It leaves in an hour, so you can rest on the way back to Miracalia."
Oberon then turned to Ambrose and instructed, "Ambrose, personally see Mr. Frane off."
Jackson's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected Oberon to be so unyielding, wanting him gone immediately.
"Yes, Grandpa."
Jackson looked at Ambrose, hoping he would refuse or say something on his behalf.
After all, he and Ambrose had been in frequent contact over the past few days, discussing many matters together.
Since Ambrose had given up on Lillian, Jackson thought they had developed a bit of a brotherly bond.
But Ambrose readily agreed to Oberon's request.
Jackson felt a surge of frustration. So much for friendship.
He turned to Oberon and said, "Mr. Kelly, my company isn't busy at all. I haven't really explored Seaspring Valley City. It's beautiful here, and I'd like to stay a bit longer to enjoy it."
Oberon smiled, "That's fine."
Jackson felt a bit relieved, thinking Oberon wasn't so adamant after all. But then Oberon added, "Lillian has been wanting to study dance abroad. Now that things at home are settled, and your grandma and I are still in good health, I'll arrange for you to leave today, Lillian."
Oberon's meaning was clear. If Jackson stayed in Seaspring Valley City, Lillian would be sent away. He was determined to keep them apart.
Lillian loved dancing. Although she had been working at the media company, she had never given up on her passion for dance. She wasn't a business genius.
With Ambrose managing the Kelly Group, it was in good hands. Lillian had always wanted to pursue her dreams rather than take over the family business.
Oberon had discussed this with Lillian before. She had expressed her wishes.
Oberon preferred Lillian to return and inherit everything, but he had said he would consider it.
He had also suggested that even if she didn't manage the group, she should at least understand its workings, proposing that she gain some experience in a company.
Back then, Lillian was still preoccupied with Taylor's situation and knew that The Kelly Media was founded by Ophelia and had been managed by Ruby for years.
Lillian chose to go to Miracalia and join The Kelly Media. This way, she could continue investigating Taylor's matter, comply with Oberon's wishes, and observe Ruby's reaction. It was a win-win-win situation.
Now, Oberon was suggesting she go abroad to further her dance studies, indicating that he had come to terms with her pursuing her dreams.
Lillian was quite happy and immediately smiled, saying, "Grandpa, you said it, no take-backs."
Before Oberon could respond, Lillian felt Jackson's intense and somewhat resentful gaze beside her.
Turning to meet Jackson's slightly hurt eyes, she felt a bit guilty.
She realized that Oberon's words were also a way to remind Jackson that he would never approve of their relationship.
Her happiness might have made Jackson feel like she was betraying him.
She blinked, almost pleading with Jackson.
Jackson sighed and raised an eyebrow at her.
Oberon felt uncomfortable watching the two of them exchange glances right in front of him.
Oberon stood up, pulling Flora with him, and handed Jackson's phone back to him, saying, "Mr. Frane, take your belongings."
Didn't think that showing a few old photos of Lillian would convince him of their deep past relationship and make him agree to them being together. That was impossible.
Jackson didn't confront Oberon directly. He took the phone and nodded politely.
Oberon felt uneasy and glanced at Lillian, who was pretending to fix her hair, trying to act invisible.
Oberon felt both amused and frustrated, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the sparkling ring on her finger.
"What are you wearing on your hand?" Oberon asked in a deep voice.
Lillian followed his gaze to her hand and saw the glittering wedding ring.
Jackson had slipped it on her finger in the hospital room in Miracalia.
She had gotten used to wearing it over the past few days and had forgotten about it after returning to Seaspring Valley City.
She quickly covered it with her other hand and said, "It's just a ring."
Oberon snorted, "Such a flashy style? It doesn't seem suitable for everyday wear."
Lillian twisted the ring, "It's fake, just wearing it for fun, Grandpa."
"If it's fake, take it off. The size doesn't seem right. Later, you can choose a good diamond or gemstone at Grandpa's place and have one made to your liking," Oberon instructed.
Oberon had been having a tough time lately, betrayed by lifelong friends and discovering that those he trusted were actually wolves in sheep's clothing.
It was a painful experience.
Oberon had tried to appear calm to avoid worrying them, but Lillian had seen his lonely figure several times.
She didn't want to upset her grandpa further.
She immediately took off the ring and said, "I'll listen to you, Grandpa. But don't forget, don't hide all your treasures away and only leave them for Grandma."
Lillian walked up and clung to Oberon's arm, playfully.
Jackson watched helplessly as the wedding ring he had worked so hard to get Lillian to wear was taken off.
"Grandpa always keeps his word. Let's go now and pick one," Oberon said loudly.
Lillian nodded and helped Oberon walk out.
After a few steps, Oberon turned to Lillian and said, "If it's fake, throw it away. No need to keep it."
Lillian was about to put the ring in her dress pocket, but paused at his words.
She looked at Oberon and blinked, "Even if it's fake, it's quite pretty."
Oberon smiled faintly, "Grandpa remembers your skin is sensitive. Wearing these items can cause allergies. If you don't want to throw it away, give it to Grandpa. I'll keep it for you."
Lillian looked at Oberon's determined eyes and reluctantly placed the ring in his palm.
Oberon closed his hand and smiled, "Let's go."
Lillian didn't say anything else and walked with the group towards the elevator.
Jackson followed behind, clearly hearing and seeing Oberon and Lillian's conversation and actions.
Jackson sighed inwardly, feeling helpless.
Ambrose, walking beside him, patted Jackson's shoulder before entering the elevator and said, "You'll get it back eventually, Mr. Frane."
Downstairs at the Kelly Group building, many media reporters were gathered.
As soon as they saw the Kelly family coming out, they swarmed forward.
Earlier in the meeting room, the shocking actions of the Lawson family had kept the reporters busy with them.
Now, their questions were directed at Oberon and the others.
"Mr. Kelly, after this ordeal, do you have confidence in revitalizing the Kelly Group and leading it to new heights?"
"Ms. Kelly, can you tell us more about the mix-up when you were a child? Was Ruby involved?"
"Mr. Ambrose Kelly, there have been rumors that you and Ms. Lillian Kelly are destined to be together. Is that true?"
Bodyguards escorted the Kelly family to the waiting cars.
Oberon was exhausted and had already planned a formal press conference in a few days once the Kelly Group stabilized.
So, he didn't stop, and Ambrose announced the press conference time to the reporters.
As they got into the car, some reporters noticed Jackson lagging behind and rushed towards him.
"Mr. Frane, what is your role here today?"
"Mr. Frane, someone saw you and Ms. Kelly being very close. Do you have any comments on that?"
"Is Ms. Kelly really raised by Lyra? Does that make her your sister?"
Jackson was surrounded on the steps.
He didn't have any bodyguards with him at the moment. Lillian saw this through the car window and instinctively opened it.
She was about to instruct the bodyguards to help when she saw Jackson on the steps.
In his well-tailored dark gray suit, standing tall, his deep-set eyes glimmered under the bright sun, making his gaze even more profound.
He looked over at her, his eyes softening like spring water, and said, "Ms. Kelly is the love of my life. Our relationship is simple: I'm the pursuer, and she's the pursued."
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