Chapter 28 Did Not Back Down
Lily's eyes were defiant, with a spark of rebellion.
She shot back, "It's the same no matter how many times you say it; I disagree."
Sophie jumped in, trying to sound sweet, "David, don't be mad. I've got a tutor, and my grades are gonna get better. Lily worked her butt off on those practice tests to make that progress. I promise I'll study hard with her!"
Michael added, "David, I'll keep an eye on their grades. You don't need to stress so much."
David was livid, "Stop making excuses for Lily. Don't I know her by now? She's been a pain ever since Sophie joined the Roberts family! Lily, no matter how much you pout or threaten to run away, it doesn't change the fact that Sophie's part of our family now. Even if you leave, she stays. Got it?"
Lily, no matter how much you pout or threaten to run away, it doesn't change the fact that Sophie's part of our family now. Even if you leave, she stays. Got it?"
Lily lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable.
Michael felt a pang of sympathy seeing her like that, "Lily, David didn't mean it like that!"
Lily looked up, her gaze icy, her voice flat, "Whatever."
She turned and walked out, unable to stand another minute in the room.
Michael's face fell as he wanted to go after Lily, but David's angry voice stopped him, "Hold up, Michael. You're too soft, and that's why Lily plays you!"
Michael sighed, "David, it's not like that."
Lily had changed.
In the past, he might have thought she was just throwing a fit.
But thinking back to her expression earlier, he felt a wave of worry. He'd never seen her look like that before.
Sophie tried to smooth things over, "David, Michael, please don't fight. It's my fault for not doing well on the test. If only I were as smart as Lily. I'm just not that bright."
David's tone softened a bit, "It's not your fault. Austin's team has been eating up your time. Peter told me everything. Sophie, stop defending Lily. Just because she's our biological sister doesn't mean we'll always take her side."
Sophie smiled through her tears, "Thank you, David. I'll work harder from now on."
David was the toughest person to please in the family.
Especially since he was hardly ever home, Sophie had always been a bit scared of him.
Thanks to Lily, she had the perfect chance to prove herself today.
Michael, however, felt David misunderstood Lily.
He explained, "David, Lily also competed. If it weren't for her stepping up, we wouldn't have won the resurrection match."
"You reminded me. She refused to join Austin's team, wanting him to beg her. Then Sophie joined, and she felt uncomfortable, secretly practicing to show off in front of you."
"David, it's not like that."
Michael felt a wave of helplessness.
Seeing David's attitude towards Lily, he realized he had treated her the same way.
Had he hurt Lily so deeply that she distanced herself from them?
Michael was choked up, unable to speak. He realized he had been wrong.
Maybe it wasn't Lily who was wrong, but them.
Michael saw Sophie and David chatting happily, seemingly forgetting Lily wasn't there.
He felt a bit uncomfortable.
Today was supposed to be a celebration for Lily's good grades, which he had specially arranged.
While David was distracted, Michael quietly slipped out of the room.
He called Lily, but she didn't pick up.
He quickly sent a text: [Lily, where are you?]
Lily glanced at the message and stepped out of the bathroom stall.
She stood at the sink, staring at her slightly reddened eyes in the mirror.
She had promised herself countless times not to let the Roberts family get to her.
But hearing David's harsh words still left a dull ache in her heart.
Lily splashed cold water on her face. In a month, she wouldn't have to deal with this anymore.
She left the bathroom, planning to take the elevator and leave the restaurant.
"What are you doing here?"
Lily looked up and saw Dennis. She quickly lowered her head, "Just having dinner."
Her voice was a bit hoarse.
Dennis stepped closer, "Have you been crying?"
Her voice gave it away.
Lily instinctively denied, "No."
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Michael stepped out.
Seeing him, Lily immediately rushed into Dennis's arms, clutching his shirt tightly.
She wished she could disappear entirely into Dennis's embrace, not wanting Michael to see her.
Dennis was stunned, looking down at the girl clinging to him.
She held him so tightly he could almost smell her sweet scent.
His throat tightened, and he instinctively tried to create some distance.
As soon as he moved, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
To anyone watching, they looked like a couple deeply in love.
Dennis pressed his lips together, surprised by her actions.
The usually composed man was at a loss for what to do.
Lily peeked out, seeing Michael return to the room, and finally relaxed.
Realizing their intimate position, she noticed how tall Dennis was.
She was almost on tiptoe, with him leaning down to accommodate her embrace.
Lily awkwardly let go, "Um, Michael came out of the elevator. I didn't want him to see me, so I used you as cover."
Dennis squinted, guessing why she was here and why she was upset.
He teased, "Any guy would do for cover?"
Lily looked at him, surprised, "I guess not."
It was because Dennis happened to be there that she instinctively stayed in his arms.
If it were another guy, she hadn't considered it.
Probably not.
Dennis felt oddly pleased with her answer, "Did you come with them for dinner?"
"Yeah, supposedly to celebrate my good grades."
Lily's tone dripped with sarcasm.
She glanced at him, remembering seeing him with a pretty woman earlier. Now he was alone.
Dennis's voice was calm, "Top 1% in the school, impressive."
Lily felt a bit proud, "It's alright. Now I have a chance to get into Quest University."
He had previously said her ranking wasn't high enough.
Seeing the pride on her face, Dennis smiled, "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. I don't want to stay here."
"Because of the people in the room?"
Lily nodded, "If you have something to do, go ahead. I'll head back to my apartment."
She didn't want to go home today.
"If anyone leaves, it should be them." He said.
Lily didn't understand his meaning.
Was he planning to kick Michael and the others out?
That seemed unlikely!