Chapter 24
It's a vast world, but it feels much smaller than you'd think.
"Albert?"
"Yes, it's me," Albert said, smiling at her.
"What are you...?"
"Wondering why I'm here?" Albert interrupted.
"Yes." After ending their brief relationship three years ago, she never expected to see him in her country. They had met in school abroad, and he had persistently pursued her until she agreed to date him. She ended the relationship five months later when she realized she couldn't return his feelings.
Albert smiled. "Of course you wouldn't expect me here, but I came to expand our family business and hoped to see you."
"Oh," Lilly said, then felt Alexander's intense gaze. She regretted looking his way, as his expression was filled with anger.
Albert noticed where she was looking and was surprised to see a man sitting across from her. Recognizing the man as Alexander Kane, a powerful figure he had heard about during his brief stay in the country, he wondered how Lilly knew such an influential person. He recalled that Lilly had mentioned she was a scholarship student from a lower socioeconomic background. He was determined to find out more.
Planning to introduce himself, Albert said, "Mr. Kane, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Albert Smith." He extended his hand, but Alexander stared at it coldly. Albert withdrew his hand, aware of the courage it took to approach such a formidable man.
Lilly was lost in thought, worried that Albert might discover her true identity. In college, she and her sister had used the surname "Evans" to hide their real surname, Blake, which was confidentially protected by the school. Albert knew her as Lilly Evans, but now she feared he might uncover the truth.
Albert turned back to Lilly. "Let's catch up sometime. Here's my business card." Lilly hesitated but accepted it, not because she planned to contact him, but because she might need it later.
Alexander's dark gaze never left her. Albert sensed the tension and quickly excused himself. He had been invited to dinner by a business heir but saw Lilly from a distance and approached to confirm it was her. His mood darkened when he saw her with Alexander. Knowing Alexander's disdain for women, he was puzzled by their dinner. Determined to dig deeper, he made a call as he entered the elevator.
Silence filled the table long after Albert left. Alexander's piercing stares made Lilly sweat, the atmosphere becoming unbearable. She wondered if she had done something wrong, thinking the only odd event was Albert's unexpected appearance.
Alexander suddenly stood up and commanded, "Stand up."
Lilly quickly obeyed. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along, his stride too fast for her to keep up.
"Why are you dragging me?"
"You said you wanted to leave, so we're leaving."
"Do you have to drag me?"
Ignoring her, Alexander led her to the ground floor. Lilly noticed no one dared to look their way, knowing the consequences of crossing Alexander Kane.
In the garage, she pulled back. "Let go of me!" she shouted.
Alexander stopped and glared. "Get in the car," he ordered coldly. She complied, and the chauffeur drove off after Alexander joined her.
"Hand it over," he demanded after a long silence.
"Hand what over?"
"His contact details."
Lilly hesitated, wondering why he wanted Albert's card. "Why do you want it?"
"Give it to me," he commanded sternly. Reluctantly, Lilly handed over the card. Alexander glanced at it before throwing it out the window.
Lilly was baffled. "Why did you do that?"
"How do you know him?"
"That's not an answer to my question."
"Don't make me find out myself," he warned.
Lilly's fear grew, not from his threat, but because he might uncover her past in another country. "He's an old friend."
Alexander's gaze hardened. "This is his first time here. How did you know him before now?"
Lilly was speechless. Did he already know about Albert? She knew what Alexander was capable of. After Albert left, Alexander had asked James to run a background check, revealing that this was Albert's first visit and that he was here for business. If Albert had just arrived, how did they know each other and need to catch up after three years?
"The thing is..."
"Lilly Evans, you better start talking," Alexander demanded.
Lilly swallowed hard. She was in big trouble. How could she explain that she knew Albert from another country without revealing her past and the reasons for it? Should she tell the truth or come up with a convincing lie?
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