Chapter 49 He Has been Mentally Stimulated
<Chapter>Chapter 49 He Has been Mentally Stimulated </Chapter>
Alexander and the others came over and glanced at Lillian before asking Daisy, "What's going on?"
"Alexander!" Daisy stamped her foot, moved closer to Alexander, and looped her arm through his. Glaring at Lillian, she said sarcastically, "Lillian was holding onto Kevin's hand and wouldn't let go, who knows why. I called her out on it, and she got upset!"
"Daisy," Doris couldn't help but speak up for Lillian, "she already explained that it was a misunderstanding. Why do you keep saying that?"
"You believe her explanation?" Daisy argued self-righteously. "I was sitting right there and saw everything clearly."
Kevin couldn't stand it anymore. Daisy's words were completely framing him! Whether Lillian was holding his hand or not, now that Daisy had brought it up, he was implicated. If Alexander got angry, nobody would escape blame.
"Mr. Sinclair, this is really a misunderstanding. Ms. Hill and I are not like Ms. Sinclair is saying," Kevin explained desperately.
Lillian saw Alexander's expression change and internally cursed Daisy for her foolishness.
"Mr. Sinclair, it was just an accident with the skewer—" Lillian began.
"Shut up!" Alexander roared before she could finish.
Startled, Lillian shuddered and looked at him with fright, obediently closing her mouth.
"Alexander! Why are you yelling at Lillian? This isn't her fault!" Doris defended Lillian, shocked at Alexander's outburst—he was usually sarcastic in conversation, but she had never seen him this angry.
Lillian was both touched and surprised that Doris was defending her against Alexander. Not wanting Doris to get involved, Lillian gave her a slight shake of her head.
Alexander just glanced at Doris, then turned back to Lillian with a warning, "If you still want to be here, you better behave and not cause me any trouble. Otherwise, get out!"
"Alexander, you're going too far." Theodore reminded him, "Out here in the suburbs, how do you expect Lillian to walk all by herself? She said it was a misunderstanding. Let's just drop it."
Jerry chimed in, "Exactly, don't spoil the mood. If Lillian leaves, do you think Lucas will be happy?"
Meanwhile, Lucas was thoroughly enjoying his video gaming session inside the house.
"Alexander!" Daisy called out to him, clearly displeased.
"Stop yelling, will you? It's enough already!" Alexander said irritably. "You can't even keep things cool when coming out to have fun. Watch your mouth and know what should or shouldn't be said. Aren't you old enough to know better?" After finishing his admonishment, he tapped her on the head and stormed out of the greenhouse.
Daisy stomped her foot in frustration and retorted, "What did I do now, he's yelling at me!"
She then reached out to push Lillian, "All because of you!"
Doris stepped in front of Lillian, shielding her and said to Daisy with annoyance, "Enough, knock it off."
Seeing the situation, Theodore took Daisy by the hand and led her outside, soothingly saying, "Alright, little princess, don't be upset."
What had been a harmonious scene was suddenly shattered by Daisy's outburst.
"Good, let them go. Fewer people, quieter. We can eat whatever we want," Jerry said, trying to keep the atmosphere light as he sat behind the grill, munching away.
Kevin said, "Mr. Nelson, enjoy your meal, I'll head inside."
Lillian sighed deeply and sat down slowly, eyeing the food on the wire rack. She had spent the entire evening grilling items for Lucas, hardly having a chance to eat anything herself.
"Lillian, don't feel bad, Alexander has been mentally stimulated; that's why he gets angry so quickly. Don't take it personally," Doris said as she sat beside her, grabbing a grilled sausage and passing it to her.
"Looks like he got a huge screw loose, he's like a ticking bomb, right?" Lillian asked with a hint of sarcasm.
Doris chuckled, "No, really, I'm not lying. He really has been through some stuff."
"Doris, thank you for standing up for me earlier, and for comforting me now," Lillian said with self-deprecating humor, "Alexander just doesn't like me, that's why he's always mad at me. When he's around you guys, he seems perfectly fine, not an angry bone in his body."
"Don't say that. If he really didn't like you, would he marry you?"
"Maybe he has some dark secret," Lillian mused as she warmed up some meat and popped a piece into her mouth.
Lillian was inwardly struggling, wronged by Alexander's sister, scolded by Alexander in front of friends—it was a bitter pill to swallow. Such is the difference in social status, she mused. Her position might look enviable, but in that moment, she felt even lower than Kevin.
At the bar of the restaurant, Kevin stood with his head bowed before Alexander.
Alexander swirled his drink, his voice grim, "After you go back, take your punishment on your own—I won't say more."
"Thank you, Mr. Sinclair." Kevin nodded and stepped back a few paces, then left.
Theodore took a sip of whiskey, "I believe in Kevin. He wouldn't do such a thing."
"I trust him too," Alexander said lightly sipping his drink, "but he must still take his punishment."
"How will you punish Lillian then?" Theodore inquired.
Alexander gave him a sidelong glance, "What's it to you? Are you pleading her case?"
"I don't meddle in you and your wife's business," Theodore said with a smile, "I just want to tell you, don't push her too far. Even the gentlest person has their limits."
Alexander's lips curled into a mocking smile, "I've never bullied her."
That evening, after everyone had a less than satisfactory dinner outside, the cook made a midnight snack. Lillian, not wanting to see Alexander, excused herself saying she was tired and didn't eat, and instead called Oscar from her room.
In the group chat, Wendy sent a message.
Wendy: [Lillian, did you have fun today?]
Lillian sent an unimpressed emoji and then stayed silent.
Lying in bed, about to drift off, Lucas came in and jumped onto her, "Lillian, we're not staying in this room tonight."
Lillian turned her back to him, "Lucas, I don't feel well today. I won't sleep with you. Go sleep with Alexander."
"Lillian, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Lucas asked tenderly, touching her forehead and murmuring to himself, "You don't have a fever."
"I'm not sick. I just want to sleep alone tonight. Be good, go find Alexander." Lillian turned around and gently touched his head, speaking in an indifferent tone.
"Alright then, if you need anything, call Alexander."
"Will do."
Lillian closed her eyes. Her mood plummeted, a surge of sadness rising and turning into tears that silently flowed down her cheeks.
The next day, after everyone had breakfast, they prepared to leave.
Alexander asked Doris to take Daisy home, and Kevin drove the family of three back to Maple Grove Estate.
On the last day of the holiday, Lillian wanted to enjoy some time alone. After she got home, she washed her clothes, took a nap, woke up to watch some TV shows, and before she knew it, it was time for dinner.
