Chapter 12 The Event

• Lillian kept her face neutral. "What is it?"
• John looked flustered. "Mark's coming by soon to pick you up. Your aunt arranged it, and he's already paid. If we burn this bridge with him now, I won't get the funds I need. How about this: you go talk to him?"
• Lillian pursed her lips. "Uncle, are you playing games with me?"
• "Why would you think that? It's not like I knew you were with Mr. Conrad! If you'd told us earlier, we wouldn't have dealt with Mark at all."
• Just then, Grace knocked on the door.
• "Hey, John, what are you still talking about with Lillian? Mr. Mark is waiting downstairs."
• John looked at her pleadingly. "I can't go down and tell him. My company's strapped for funds right now, Lillian. Just help me out this once and handle him."
• "And what if I refuse?"
• Grace's eyes narrowed. "You think your dad's still around to protect you? Get real. All you've got left is that face and body. What else do you have to sell? If you don't go, your uncle and I will be left out to dry. We already made a deal."
• John quickly stopped her. "Lillian, help me handle Mr. Mark, and I'll take you right now to get the paperwork done. Deal?"
• Lillian could see that Grace had been eavesdropping outside the door. They just wanted to test if she was really with Conrad. If she didn't deal with Mark, these two would never hand over Grandma's guardianship.
• Lillian thought it over. Conrad would eventually have Ford transfer the money to her and give her the house. Then, she could sell off those things and leave with Grandma. If she left documents to these two, they'd control everything, and she'd have no way out.
• "Uncle, just words aren't enough for me. If I use Conrad's name to make him leave, what's to stop you from trying to blackmail me again?"
• "We're family. You expect me to sign something?"
• "Yes."
• Lillian laid the guardianship waiver on the table. "Sign and stamp it, and I'll head downstairs. But if you break this agreement, don't blame me for what happens next. If you're not fit to be my uncle, then whatever Conrad does to you is your problem, not mine. I hear the Dream Brothel is always looking for young, pretty women. Maybe when your company goes under, Auntie and Cousin can go try their luck there. I mean, if I, your niece, can make money to support your family, shouldn't your wife and daughter be even more obligated?"
• The look on Grace's face changed instantly. "You… you little bitch, how dare you—"
• John stepped in to hold her back. "You realize not just anyone can throw around Conrad's name."
• "Oh, I know. The question is, Uncle, do you?"
• John thought it over, then, faced with Mark waiting downstairs, signed the document and stamped his thumbprint. "Lillian, remember to keep an eye on my company. We're family, after all."
• Lillian finally got what she came for—one step closer to getting the paperwork done. She didn't want to ruin things completely with John just yet. "Don't worry, Uncle. We're family," she said with a soft smile, then turned and walked down the stairs, expression hardening immediately.
• Family, my ass.
• As she left, Grace muttered, "What's wrong with you? The way that little brat was acting, I should've slapped her right then and there!"
• "Has she really hooked up with Conrad?"
• "Unless she suddenly grew a spine, how else would she be so smug?" John replied. "She used to do whatever we told her. Now it's like she's a different person."
• A gleam of excitement sparked in Grace's eyes. "If she's got an in with the Brown family, maybe we can benefit from this connection!"
• "This stays between us," John warned. "Conrad from the Brown family is about to marry Daisy from the White family. Lillian is just his mistress, nothing more."
• Grace rolled her eyes. "What's so special about that little bitch? When Conrad comes to visit, we'll have Fanny give it a shot. Blood is thicker than water, and a daughter is worth more than a niece."
• John gave her a look. "Conrad's not blind. And I'm her father; it's not like I don't care about Fanny, but come on—she doesn't have the face for it."
• "Sure, she got her mother's looks," Grace scoffed, "but it's not like that's done her any good."
• The mention of Lillian's mother brought silence over the two of them.
• ******
• When Lillian reached the bottom of the stairs, she spotted Mark. She'd mentally prepared herself, but seeing that old man brought back a flood of disgust and fear from that night. She still didn't know how she ended up with Conrad instead, but she had zero interest in talking to Mark.
• Mark, on the other hand, acted like nothing had happened. "Miss Lillian, you're looking lovely today."
• She forced a small smile.
• He opened the car door. "Your aunt filled you in, right? I've got a dinner meeting tonight. Get in; everything's on me."
• Lillian stayed put, feeling a chill run down her spine as she glanced up and saw Grace and John watching her from the window. She climbed into the car.
• As the driver pulled away, Mark spoke up. "We had a little misunderstanding last time, but don't take it personally."
• Lillian pressed her lips together. "Mr. Mark, about tonight's event—let's skip it. My aunt probably didn't mention that I have a boyfriend, so I won't be able to… keep you company."
• "Oh, no rush. I wouldn't push you to do anything you don't want to do."
• Lillian wasn't the naive girl she once was. She didn't believe a word he said.
• She looked out the window as the car drove toward the golf course.
• "Do you play golf?" Mark asked. "We'll be meeting some very prominent people today."
• "Yeah… I play," she replied.
• Lillian thought it over. "Mr. Mark, like I said, if it's just a round of golf, I'm in. Anything else, though—sorry, no can do."
• "Oh, come on now, no need to make it sound so serious! You think I'd ever pull something shady on you? Relax, I'm a gentleman."
• Lillian still felt something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
• Once they arrived, Mark had a staff member take her to change. She picked out a long-sleeved shirt and pants, just in case he got any ideas. Pulling her hair up in a ponytail, she looked fresh and radiant. Without any makeup, her natural beauty stood out even more, striking and breathtaking.
• Mark was already chatting with a few business partners when she walked over. As soon as she appeared, every head turned, their eyes filled with barely concealed admiration.
• "And who's this?" one of them asked.
• "Let me introduce you all—this is Lillian," Mark said, motioning her over. His tone was normal, and he kept his distance, making no physical contact.
• Since they couldn't quite place her connection to Mark—whether she was his mistress or maybe a friend's daughter—the men quickly shifted the conversation to other topics.
• Lillian breathed a quiet sigh of relief. If she could just get through today without any issues, she'd be incredibly grateful.
• Suddenly, an annoying voice pierced the air, freezing her in place.
• "Wow, Evelyn, this place is gorgeous! Mr. Conrad is so good to you, bringing you here!"