Chapter 109
Lily was utterly devastated as she watched the surveillance footage of the orphanage building. Her gaze was locked on the screen, taking in the heartbreaking sight of the structure being demolished with people still inside.
“Oh no, this can’t be happening!” she cried out in horror, tears streaming down her face.
Alexander gently took the tablet from her trembling hands and pulled her into his embrace. "It’s going to be alright," he tried to soothe her.
"It’s not alright!" she yelled, a rare outburst of anger fueled by the sheer shock of what she had just seen.
Alexander understood the depth of her anguish. No one could witness such a tragedy and remain unaffected.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, holding her tightly and gently rubbing her back.
“I never authorized the destruction of those buildings,” Lily insisted, her voice quivering.
“I know, and I’m going to find out who did this,” Alexander vowed, determined to uncover the truth.
Lily pulled away from his arms, staring at her shaking hands, overwhelmed by the knowledge that innocent lives had been lost because of the demolition.
Clara, who had been standing nearby, shared in Lily's distress. She knew her employer was a kind woman who would never approve of such a heinous act. It was evident that someone had tried to ruin her reputation.
Lily would never, under any circumstances, agree to something so monstrous. How could she have possibly authorized the destruction of orphanages and foundations dedicated to caring for children, staff, and the disabled?
Her family had established numerous charitable foundations for those in need; why would she want to destroy them? It made no sense.
As Alexander observed Lily lost in thought, it was as if she had mentally retreated to a distant place. He gently lifted her chin to meet her eyes. “I know you’re innocent in this. Someone must have forged your signature, and I’m determined to find out who. No one close to you, not even your assistant or bodyguards, can be trusted,” he asserted.
Lily responded with a stiff nod, signaling her agreement.
She began heading towards the bathroom, but Alexander stopped her. “Where are you going?” he asked, concerned. He knew she wasn’t in her right state of mind after witnessing the tragedy.
“I just need to take a bath. Since the police are already here, I’ll get ready and go with them to the station.”
“No, you don’t need to do that. You’re not going to the station. They’re here to arrest you, and you expect me to stand by and let that happen?”
“Reporters are with them. If I don’t go, it will cause a scandal. People will think we’re trying to cover up what happened. They already believe I’m guilty since my signature is on that document, so this could create even more problems. Just let me get ready and go with them.”
“No.”
“Alexander, I have to—”
“I said no. I won’t allow it. I’ll call the police chief and have him order the officers to leave without you. We’ll visit the station later today after investigating what happened.”
Lily sighed in exhaustion, unsure of what to say.
“Don’t worry, we’ll uncover the person who forged the documents,” Alexander assured her.
Lily nodded.
An hour later, the police left the premises, along with the reporters. However, the reporters made sure to inform the public through a live broadcast that Mrs. Kane had refused to go with the police despite what she had done. The entire internet exploded with negative comments, criticizing the Kanes for what had happened.
The demolition had provided her detractors with yet another opportunity to tarnish the image of both the Kanes and the Blakes.
“What else can you expect from a wicked woman whose grandfather was equally wicked? They’re a perfect match!” one commenter wrote.
“I heard she killed her stepsister and framed her stepmother, sending her to prison. If she could do that to her own family, it’s no surprise she’d do the same to innocent people they claimed to care about!” another commenter added.
“How could she authorize the demolition of buildings with people still inside? The blood of those people is on her hands. She’s definitely going to pay for this, and I hope she rots in jail!” an angry critic posted.
The internet buzzed with comments from all sides, and the Blake company’s stocks plummeted for the second time in two months.
Lily paced back and forth as her phone continued to ring incessantly, but she refused to answer any of the calls. When she saw that Jacob was calling, she finally picked up.
“Hello, Jacob.”
“Lily, are you okay? I saw the photos and videos online and heard about the accusations against you.”
“Yes,” Lily sighed.
“Should I erase the information online?”
“It’s better not to.”
“But things are already really bad.”
“It will only get worse if you try to erase the noise from the internet. Plus, removing it won’t stop people from seeking justice for those who died. The families of the victims will demand justice, and erasing the content won’t stop the investigation or prevent me from going to prison if my innocence isn’t proven in court.”
Jacob sighed. “Okay, I understand.”
“Good, but there is something I need you to do for me discreetly.”
Jacob perked up. “Tell me what I can do to help!” He was eager to get involved.
Lily glanced around to make sure Alexander wasn’t nearby before telling Jacob what she needed him to do in secret.
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