Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Shane asked again, "Was there something else you needed?"

"No. I just came about the hospital records," Lily explained.

Shane frowned. "Couldn't you have just asked Xavier about this?"

When Lily remained silent, Shane seemed to understand and quickly changed the subject. "Since you're here, why not stay for dinner? Mom's taking her afternoon nap, but she was just saying how much she misses you."

"I can't, Shane. I have other things to handle," Lily declined, even though she knew Xavier rarely came home. She worried that if Edith saw her, she might call Xavier to come over.

Shane did not push her, understanding her stress over Hayden's situation. After Lily left, he picked up his newspaper again, his eyes landing on the headline.

"Nova Group's President Takes Action for Ms. Lynde's Beloved Pet..."

After some thought, he made a phone call.

After leaving Fulton Manor, Lily visited the police station, where she learned that the deceased had worked at an electronics factory on the outskirts of town. When she arrived, two reporters were already at the gate, taking photos and interviewing the security guard. She waited until the reporters left before approaching the guard. He barely looked up asked, "Which newspaper are you from?"

and

"Just a small local paper..." Lily replied, casually pulling out an expensive pack of cigarettes she had found in Bobby's car.

The guard's eyes lit up at the sight of the premium cigarettes, and said, "Jessica Sanchez was just a regular worker here. She hadn't shown up for a few days before the incident, and she'd only been here less than a month-we barely knew her."

The guard promptly closed his window after trading the information for the cigarettes. Lily was taken aback by the abrupt dismissal and turned to leave, realizing either the guard truly knew nothing or she had not offered enough incentive. Sighing, Lily decided she would have to come back better prepared. By the time she returned to Maryanne's place, night had fallen. She parked outside the complex and walked in, her phone dead after the long day.

Suddenly, bright headlights illuminated her figure on the brick pathway. She instinctively raised her hand to block the glare, unable to identify the vehicle until it stopped beside her and a door opened.

Xavier stepped out with a cigarette between his lips, flicking ash as he walked over and grabbed her wrist without warning. Then, he dragged her to the car.

His appearance and movements were so sudden that Lily only realized what was happening when she reached the car door. However, Xavier did not give her a chance to escape, quickly joining her in the backseat and blocking her exit. In the dim interior light, Lily retreated to the corner and turned to face him. He cracked the window, resting his long fingers on the cigarette on the sill.

"What are you doing?"

Xavier's tone was harsh, and his entire presence radiated displeasure. "You know exactly what you did today.noveldrama

Lily tried to avoid confrontation by reaching for the door handle, but it was locked. "I don't want to see you. Open the door."

"Do you know why I married you in the first place?" Xavier tossed out his cigarette and closed the window, his dark eyes unreadable as they fixed on her.