Chapter 31
Due to her unexpected vanishing, Alexander ensured the gathering was brought to an abrupt close, leveraging his authority to do so. Attendees exited the banquet room and headed home, while journalists lingered in concealed spots, hoping to uncover the reasons behind the premature conclusion of the event.
Old master Lowe was taken aback upon learning of Lilly's disappearance and her true identity. As a confidant of Caleb, he was well aware of how much his fourth granddaughter meant to him and that he had been searching for her for the past two years. Believing initially that Alexander had wed an ordinary woman, it was a revelation to discover she was the heiress to the Blake empire. He promptly authorized Alexander to end the event and commence a thorough search for her. Caleb would be enraged to learn that his long-lost granddaughter, who had only just resurfaced, had been kidnapped once more.
Bella and Kate, unwilling to appear indifferent to Lilly's disappearance, joined Peter and the others in the search. Three hours had passed, and it was now after midnight, yet there was no trace of her anywhere in the nation.
"Mother, was this your doing?" Kate inquired quietly while they stood alone in the parking lot.
"No, I wouldn't be so foolish as to kidnap her in a location where the perpetrator could be easily identified. Alexander is exceedingly influential and will undoubtedly locate her. Do you think I would be foolish enough to be responsible?"
Kate scowled with dissatisfaction. "Today has been the worst day of my life, Mother," she ground out through clenched teeth. Initially, she hoped her mother had orchestrated it to eliminate Lilly for good, but she had to concede her mother's prudence in not acting to avoid capture. Moreover, witnessing Alexander search for Lilly as if she were a priceless treasure only intensified her animosity. She tried to persuade herself that there was another reason for his diligent search besides personal concern.
Kate was not going to stand by and watch Lilly return to their lives, reclaim her inheritance, and win over the man she loved. Kate balled her fists in frustration as she paced.
"Your father is coming," Bella said.
Kate halted and saw her father approaching.
"Have they located her?"
"I received a message from two of my men shadowing Alexander's team; Alexander is heading to the Blake residence."
Kate and her mother exchanged startled glances. "Why would he go to our family estate?"
"He discovered she was taken there."
"Why would he think Lilly is there?" Kate asked, puzzled.
"Your grandfather was the one who took her," Peter answered.
"Grandfather took her?" Bella was astonished, not expecting him to act so swiftly.
Kate stood speechless, her worst fears materializing.
"I'm relieved it was him. Let's head back home," Peter said, walking towards the car that had pulled up.
Bella collected herself and looked at her daughter. "Let's go."
Kate reluctantly followed her mother, and the three of them got into the car, which drove them home.
****
"Grandfather, you want me to separate from Alexander?"
"Yes, I don't approve of your marriage to him."
"Why, Grandfather?"
Caleb struck the table forcefully. "How can you love a man who doesn't—"
Outside the Blake estate, Alexander sat in the car, tapping his fingers impatiently on the armrest. Eight other cars, filled with his men, lined up behind him. If they did not open the estate gate, he would force his way in.
James, seated in the backseat with him, recognized the volatile state Alexander was in. It was evident that the woman was crucial to him, though the exact nature of her importance was unclear. His determination to force entry if denied access indicated her significance. Initially, at the banquet, James thought Alexander had introduced her as his wife merely to placate his grandfather about marriage, but now his motives appeared to be different.
"Since we know her grandfather took her and she is safe, why don't we leave? He will eventually send her back or she can return on her own," James suggested.
Alexander's unexpected smirk took James by surprise; it was a rare expression for him.
"No, he won't. As far as he knows, she is married to me. He wouldn't want her returning to me," Alexander replied.
James was perplexed. Was there more to this situation than he realized? he pondered.
The gate swung open, indicating Mr. Blake had granted them entry. The convoy drove in, taking about ten minutes to reach the main house.
Upon arrival, Alexander immediately exited the car and marched into the mansion with an air of ownership, unchallenged even by the armed guards.
James leaned back in the car, expecting Alexander to return with her. Knowing Alexander, he wouldn't leave without her.
Inside, Alexander encountered a middle-aged man.
"Mr. Kane, come with me," Paul directed.
Alexander followed Paul to another part of the mansion, halting before a broad door with double handles.
Paul knocked, received permission, and opened the door, allowing Alexander to enter.
Alexander's gaze swept the study room until it rested on Lilly, seated on a plush mat on the floor, causing him to furrow his brow.
"Master, Mr. Kane is here," Paul announced.
Lilly looked up and saw Alexander standing at the doorway, staring at her. She quickly stood up.
Ignoring her grandfather, Alexander strode directly to her. "Let's go," he said. Lilly glanced between him and her grandfather.
"I only permitted you here to inform you that she will not be leaving with you as she will be filing for a separation," Caleb declared.
"Separation?" Alexander asked Lilly, his eyes questioning.
Lilly opened her mouth to explain, but Alexander cut her off.
"Save your explanations for later; you have a lot to clarify."
Lilly's heart raced as she bit her bottom lip.
"You will not leave with her, so I advise you to go now," her grandfather stated.
Only then did Alexander turn his gaze to the older man. "You know I will leave here with her, regardless."
Their eyes locked in a silent duel, communicating something beyond words. Lilly watched them, sensing an unspoken exchange in their intense stares.
Caleb's fist tightened, and he spoke to his granddaughter. "You have no idea what kind of man you married. What you think you know about him is far from the whole truth," he warned.
Lilly looked at Alexander, whose face was inscrutable, then back at her grandfather, who wore a look of caution. What was it that she didn't know?
What a long night awaited them...
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
