Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Timothy had also found clues in other places.

Those discoveries changed the case and confirmed that someone had deliberately made it look like an accident.

With that in mind, Lily's heart couldn't help but race in excitement. It seemed Hayden's case would soon end, which meant she could finally get a divorce.

As she did not want Xavier to get suspicious, she texted Xavier that they had to visit Fulton Manor like they always did. She also reminded Xavier to have lunch on time in the afternoon. As usual, Xavier didn't bother to reply to her texts.

Meanwhile, Xavier opened his chat with Lily after receiving her texts. That was when he noticed his text about working overtime and not going home for dinner yesterday hadn't been sent. There was a red exclamation mark next to the text. Perhaps it was because he had no signal at the time.

However, he switched off his phone after recalling that Lily had said nothing about it. She even sent several reminders earlier in her usual tone.noveldrama

Xavier saw no need to explain himself. After all, she still behaved like always, even when he hadn't explained himself. A sneer crept onto his face as he thought of that.

That night, Lily was with the Fultons at Fulton Manor.

Lily had arrived in the afternoon like she always did. She accompanied Edith in pruning some flowers in the garden before Shane called her over for a game of chess. "How are things going with your brother's case, Lily?" Shane asked.

Lily held a black chess piece while nodding. "I phoned Timothy this morning, and he told me there's been a big development in the case. It'll likely be resolved soon. Thank you, Shane." Shane set a white chess piece onto the board but soon froze. "Did you say Timothy dealt with it?"

"Yeah," Lily said instinctively. Yet, a frown quickly marred her face as she thought about the possibility of a scowling Xavier blaming her for complaining to the Fultons. So, she soon explained, "Xavier's busy. It doesn't matter who deals with it since things would've turned out the same anyway.

Shane's stern expression slightly eased after he heard that. "I've had the housekeepers prepare your favorite chicken dish. Eat as much as you want tonight."

That warmed Lily's heart. "Alright."

Xavier had about 60% resemblance to Shane. That percentage would have been higher if he were as gentle and graceful as the latter.

That said, Xavier still appealed to many with his flawless skin and frosty demeanor. Many women wanted to marry him.

Xavier got his unapproachable nature from his mom, Tamara Faulkner. The two were alike in that they kept to themselves and seldom spoke.

Lily couldn't comprehend the innermost thoughts and emotions of someone like that. She was also confused to hear that Tamara and Shane were in a loving relationship. After all, Tamara still behaved so coldly despite being with Shane for many years. After the chess game, Edith asked Lily to join in pruning flowers at the conservatory on the top floor.

Edith had grown her favorite dwarf sunflowers there, and they happened to bloom that day. They could last a week if cut and stored in vases at home. If the sunflowers were hung to dry before they withered, they could be stored longer. Lily liked flowers, so she accompanied Edith upstairs.

Shane put away the chess pieces one by one. Halfway through keeping them, he saw a drained Xavier entering the house.

Xavier had a frosty presence, while a hint of exhaustion showed in his frown. He greeted, "Dad.

"Join me for a chess game." Shane pointed at the seat opposite him.

Xavier removed his coat but didn't go over. "Where's Mom?"

Shane was displeased. "Is there something you need from her?"

"It's about the thing abroad." Xavier nodded and remained at the living room door. His actions made it clear that he didn't intend on joining Shane for chess.

The father-son duo seldom spoke, and most of their conversations were about Shane's concerns for Xavier's health. Otherwise, Xavier would never initiate a conversation with Shane.

Shane tossed the chess pieces back onto the chess board. "You shouldn't talk about work after working hours. Your mother isn't a robot with infinite energy! Let's first discuss the matter of Lily's brother! Why did you get Timothy to deal with it instead?" Xavier's face darkened at once.