Chapter 124
A woman in her late fifties stepped out from the prison gates, carrying the burden of years spent inside. As she approached the waiting car, her face showed a mix of freedom and doubt. Without exchanging any words, she got into the vehicle where an unknown person was seated, and they drove away.
The next day:
Alexander had spent the entire day with Lily and Viola, and if it weren’t for work, he would have preferred another full day with them. He couldn’t quite understand why Lily insisted on going to work today when she wasn’t fully recovered. He watched as she dressed in a simple office outfit and frowned. Alexander strode over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her gently on the shoulder, making Lily smile.
"Alexander," she said softly.
"You’re not completely well yet. Why don’t you stay home instead of going to work?"
"I’d love to, but there’s so much to do at the office. I’ve spent the last few days at home with Viola. It’s time to get back to work," she replied.
Alexander frowned and turned her to face him, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"Fine, but please be careful. Don’t meet with any strangers," he said firmly.
"Strangers?" Lily gave him a puzzled look, unable to read his expression.
"I just want you to be cautious," he repeated.
Sensing there was more he wasn’t telling her, Lily decided not to push further.
"Alright, I’ll be careful," she agreed.
"Good girl," he smiled, pleased with her response.
After the family of three had breakfast, Viola stood outside with her nanny, watching her parents’ cars drive away. She had loved spending the entire day with them and smiled as she remembered the silly things she made them do, how they had acted like teenagers for her amusement. Viola was already looking forward to finding another opportunity to spend the whole day with them, doing more fun activities.
"Are you ready to go inside?" her nanny asked.
"Yes, I need to go in and get my books ready before my teacher arrives," Viola replied. She had recently started homeschooling again since her parents had decided it wasn’t safe for her to attend her usual public school.
***
Alexander arrived at the office, where James was waiting to brief him on the day’s business meetings. As James walked beside him, listing off the schedule, Alexander’s mind was elsewhere. His thoughts were consumed with something else entirely. When they reached his office, Alexander sat down in his chair, and James continued talking until Alexander raised his hand to stop him.
"Sir?" James asked, his heart racing, afraid he had said something wrong.
"I’m not interested in that right now. I need you to double the security around Lily and Viola immediately," Alexander ordered.
"But, sir... we already have people watching them," James stammered.
"I want the security increased," Alexander repeated firmly.
James knew that his boss always had people discreetly monitoring his wife and daughter. Why the sudden urgency to double the security? Something must be wrong.
"Yes, sir, I’ll handle it right away. But is something the matter?" James asked hesitantly.
Alexander gave him a stern look, making James immediately regret his question. "I’ll get it done," he said quickly and left the room.
Alexander didn’t want Lily and that woman crossing paths. He was certain she would try to see Lily before leaving the country, especially since the condition he had set for her release was that she would leave and never return.
***
At Blake Enterprises, Katrina placed the documents her boss needed for an upcoming meeting with investors on her desk. After her boss’s legal troubles had been resolved, the company’s stock hadn’t just bounced back—it had tripled. Many of the investors who had pulled out were now eager to reinvest, but Mrs. Blake had refused them, opting instead to welcome fresh investors. Today, she would be meeting with some of the top candidates.
When Katrina had asked her boss why she wouldn’t allow the old investors back, she explained that those individuals hadn’t just withdrawn their investments—they had spoken ill of the company that had made them wealthy. "We don’t need such two-faced investors," her boss had said.
"Are the documents ready?" Lily asked, seated at her desk.
"Yes, ma’am. You can review them now," Katrina replied.
Lily scanned through the papers, and after ensuring everything was in order, she headed to the meeting with Katrina.
Two hours later, after a successful meeting, Lily was leaving the room when someone grasped her hand. The cold touch felt oddly familiar, as though she had experienced it before. Lily turned to see a figure dressed as a janitor, the person’s wrinkled hands trembling slightly. The figure lowered their face mask, and Lily’s eyes widened in shock.
Angelina, Alexander’s mother, stood before her. Glancing around, she saw only Katrina nearby, who appeared just as confused as Lily. Angelina quickly replaced her mask.
"Alexander has been keeping close watch on me, and I think he’s doing the same to you," Angelina whispered. "But I had to take the risk to come here."
Lily had countless questions but knew this wasn’t the place to ask them. Thankfully, the investors had left, and it was just the three of them in the hallway.
"Katrina," Lily said quietly.
"Yes, ma’am?"
"Take her to the safe location. I’ll be there in thirty minutes."
"Understood," Katrina replied, escorting Angelina to a hidden spot known only to her and Lily. Katrina didn’t ask any questions, sensing that this older woman was someone important to her boss. She couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between the woman and Lily’s husband.
Once in her office, Lily paced back and forth, waiting for the thirty minutes to pass. She was struggling to understand how Angelina was out of prison. Then, she recalled Alexander’s strange comment that morning about avoiding strangers. It made sense now. He had arranged for his mother’s release but likely hadn’t approved her seeing Lily or Viola, which explained the disguise.
Now that Lily understood the situation, her main question was why Angelina had taken such a risk to see her. As soon as the time was up, she left her office and headed to the rooftop, where she had a private room only she and Katrina had access to.
Entering the room, she closed the door behind her. "Katrina, you can leave us now," she instructed.
Katrina nodded and quietly exited.
"Now that it’s just us, you can remove your mask," Lily said.
Angelina took off her face mask and headscarf, smiling at Lily. "I never thought I’d see you again after you visited me two years ago in prison."
"I’m happy you’re free after all these years," Lily replied.
"Yes, I’m free now, and I have you to thank."
"Thank me? Why?"
"Because I’m sure you said something to soften Alexander’s heart," Angelina explained.
Lily shook her head. "No, I didn’t. After I tried to convince him two years ago, we never spoke of it again. So if you’re free now, it’s because he decided to do so on his own."
Angelina nodded slowly. "Regardless, I’m grateful. But Alexander gave me a condition."
"What condition?"
"That I leave the country and never come back. My flight is at 11 PM tonight, but before I go, I want to see Viola—if only for a moment, even from afar. I’ve seen pictures of her in magazines, but I want to see her in real life before I leave."
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