Chapter 125

Angelina's words deeply moved Lily. If she were in her position, she would do everything possible to ensure she saw her grandchild one last time.

"I already have so many regrets. I don’t want missing out on seeing my grandchild to be another one,” Angelina said with a heavy heart.

Lily nodded. “I’ll make sure you meet her. I’ll introduce you.”

“Thank you,” Angelina whispered, her eyes welling up with tears. She embraced Lily tightly. “Thank you so much.”

Lily hugged her back, gently reassuring her. “It’s alright.”

Angelina pulled back, still worried. “But won’t Alexander be upset? If Viola sees me, she might tell her father she met her grandmother.” Angelina’s worry was clear.

Lily sighed. “Yes, she probably will.”

“Then don’t introduce me. I’ll just watch her from a distance. I don’t want to cause any trouble between you and Alexander because of me,” Angelina insisted, her voice trembling.

“Don’t worry about it,” Lily assured her. “I’ll handle it.”

Angelina looked anxious for Lily’s sake. “Thank you, Lily. You were truly meant to be with Alexander. Nothing will tear you two apart, not even someone like me,” she said sincerely, believing her son had made the best choice in Lily.

Lily didn’t respond with words, but her nod expressed agreement, and soon they were on their way to meet Viola.

To make sure Alexander didn’t find out immediately, Lily waited until lunchtime. She quickly called Clara and asked Viola’s nanny to bring her to a restaurant where they would have lunch. Lily left the office in one car, while her driver, Pedro, was instructed to bring Angelina in another vehicle.

Lily knew Alexander would eventually find out, but by the time he did, Angelina would have already seen Viola. Alexander probably already had people telling him that Viola was going to lunch with her mother, but he didn’t know his mother would be there too.

Lily waited in the private room she had reserved, her heart pounding. She felt guilty, like a rebellious wife defying her husband. She knew Alexander would be furious, but she planned to explain and ask for forgiveness later.

Soon, the door opened, and Viola rushed in excitedly. “Mommy!” she exclaimed, running into her mother’s arms.

Lily kissed her daughter’s cheek and stroked her long hair lovingly. Viola snuggled into her, and Lily smiled at her affection. Even at five years old, Viola still enjoyed moments of closeness, and this was one of those times.

“When is the food coming, Mommy? I’m hungry,” Viola asked eagerly.

“Soon, baby. We’re waiting for one more person,” Lily replied.

Viola’s eyes brightened with curiosity. “Is Daddy coming?!”

Lily shook her head. “No, it’s not Daddy. But someone you’ve been wanting to meet.”

“Who is it?” Viola asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Look at the door,” Lily suggested with a smile.

Viola turned toward the door just as it opened, revealing an elderly woman who looked a lot like her father. The woman smiled warmly, and Viola couldn’t help but smile back.

Angelina approached the table, her heart full as she gazed at her granddaughter. Overcome with emotion, tears filled her eyes. Viola, sensing the importance of the moment, climbed down from her mother’s lap and walked over to hug the woman.

Angelina was surprised but hugged Viola back tightly, soaking in the moment. Her tears continued to fall, and she tried to stop them, but they kept coming.

“Why are you crying?” Viola asked softly, wiping Angelina’s cheeks with her small hands.

“Because I’m so happy to finally see you,” Angelina said, her voice trembling as she embraced her granddaughter again.

Lily watched them with a smile.

“Are you Daddy’s mom?” Viola asked, catching both Lily and Angelina off guard.

Angelina turned to Lily, surprised she hadn’t said anything yet. Lily shook her head slightly, indicating that she hadn’t mentioned it to Viola.

“How do you know that?” Angelina asked, curious.

Viola beamed. “Because you look like Daddy! My mom and teacher said when people look alike, they’re family.”

Angelina smiled warmly. “Yes, your mom and teacher are right.”

“So, you’re my grandma?” Viola asked excitedly.

Angelina nodded, tears flowing as Viola jumped up and hugged her tightly. “Grandma!”

Viola had always wanted a big, happy family, and meeting her grandmother made her overjoyed. But soon, her curiosity got the better of her. “Why haven’t you been in our lives?” she asked innocently.

Both Lily and Angelina froze at the question, unsure of how to answer.

“And why hasn’t Daddy told me about you?” Viola added, waiting for an explanation.

Sensing Angelina’s hesitation, Lily quickly stepped in. “Grandma has been far away, sweetheart. Daddy didn’t tell you because we weren’t sure when she would be able to come back.”

Viola nodded thoughtfully. “Really, Mommy?”

“Yes, baby. You should enjoy this time with Grandma because she might have to leave again after today,” Lily gently warned her.

“Why does she have to leave?” Viola asked, pouting.

Angelina smiled tenderly and stroked Viola’s hair. “You’re still young, Viola. There are things you won’t understand right now. But when you’re older, everything will make sense.”

Viola nodded again, used to that response from her mother whenever she asked about adult matters. Content with the answer, she decided to enjoy her time with her grandmother.

The three of them ordered lunch and spent the afternoon talking, with Viola learning more about her grandmother. It was a special moment for all of them.

When lunch ended, however, Viola didn’t want to say goodbye. She clung to her grandmother. “Mommy, can’t I spend more time with Grandma?”

“Viola, it’s time to go,” Lily gently reminded her.

“No, Mommy!” Viola pleaded. “I want to take Grandma to my favorite place in the city!”

Lily hesitated. She knew Alexander would be upset if he found out. But Viola’s hopeful expression tugged at her heart.

“Baby, we can’t. You need to go home, and I have to return to work,” Lily explained.

Even Angelina urged Viola to listen, but the little girl refused to give up. In the end, Lily gave in. But now she worried about how they would leave without Alexander discovering their secret lunch.

To avoid suspicion, she considered having them leave in separate cars, but Viola insisted they all ride together. Eventually, Lily relented, and the three of them left in the same SUV. Viola was thrilled to be taking her grandmother to her favorite spot.

Unknown to them, Alexander’s men had already informed him of the situation, and he was furious. He had sent more security to monitor them, but he couldn’t shake the bad feeling he had.

As their SUV drove along the highway, two large trucks suddenly veered into their lane, heading straight for them. Viola, noticing the trucks, asked, “Mommy, why are those trucks coming toward us?”

Lily’s heart pounded with fear. Pedro, their driver, tried to steer the car to safety, but another truck appeared, blocking their path.

Sensing the danger, Lily instinctively shielded Viola with her body. In the split second before the collision, she felt another body cover both her and her daughter—Angelina.

The crash was violent and chaotic, with the sound of metal crushing and glass shattering. Their SUV flipped and skidded to a halt, upside down.

Through the haze of pain and confusion, Lily realized that Angelina had thrown herself over her and Viola, protecting them. Tears filled Lily’s eyes as she saw her mother-in-law’s lifeless body shielding them both.

Gunfire erupted around them, and footsteps approached the wreckage. Before Lily could process what was happening, everything went black.

They had been attacked.