Chapter 38 Can Lily Be Saved
Lily glanced up and saw Alex, then followed his gaze to spot Michael standing outside the classroom.
She pressed her lips together, then eventually walked out.
With a flat expression, she said, "If you're here to ask me to take notes for Sophie, don't bother."
She didn't need to guess why Michael was at school—he was there to request leave for Sophie.
Given Michael's past behavior, he would definitely ask her to take notes and even bring home the daily homework.
Michael felt a tightness in his chest. "Lily, is that really what you think of me?"
Lily was growing impatient. "Are you done talking?"
"Lily, I remember you were a top student in elementary school. But later, your grades became unstable and even worse. Did you do it on purpose to match Sophie's grades or even score lower than hers?"
Lily's steps faltered. How did he know?
Her eyes showed some suspicion. What was Michael trying to say?
Seeing Lily's expression, Michael knew it was all true.
He felt a pang of sadness.
Why hadn't he noticed Lily's changes before? Why hadn't he realized she cared about Sophie, too?
They had always favored Sophie, who was new to the family.
Over time, it seemed they had gotten used to ignoring that Lily also needed their care.
Lily was getting more impatient. "Why are you asking all this? It's pointless."
"Lily, just answer yes or no."
"Does it matter?"
Lily took a step back, creating some distance between herself and Michael.
She looked stubborn. "Michael, if you really want to apologize or make up for things, then don't bother me until after my SATs!"
Michael showed a bitter smile.
The wariness in her eyes almost pierced him.
So, Lily really didn't trust them.
Finally, he answered with difficulty, "Okay, I promise."
Lily lowered her eyes. "Thank you."
"Lily, you don't need to thank me."
Michael's voice was hoarse as he cautiously asked, "Where are you staying right now?"
Lily immediately looked at Michael with suspicion. What was he trying to do?
"Don't get me wrong. You've never lived independently before, and I'm worried about how you're doing."
Michael felt a deep bitterness.
The sister who used to love following him around now felt so distant.
He was only realizing it now.
Lily replied coldly, "I'm doing fine."
In her past life, after being kicked out of the house, she had slept on the streets, been harassed by beggars, and even rummaged through trash cans.
She had endured every hardship.
Michael thought for a moment. "You should move back home. Austin will probably tell David about this, and you know David's temper. It will definitely affect your exam preparations. That school doctor will also have big trouble. If you move back, I won't interfere with your whereabouts, even on weekends. Deal?"
Lily fell silent.
"Lily, you don't need to answer right away. Go back to class. If you don't want to move back, I'll keep it from David."
Lily felt uncomfortable. She didn't want to owe anyone.
She turned and went back to the classroom. She needed to think about this.
Michael took one last look at Lily and headed to the nurse's office.
Dennis was sitting in a chair, one hand resting on the armrest, revealing a wristwatch.
He lifted his eyelids, his gaze cool and distant.
Michael scrutinized the doctor in front of him. Seeing that watch made his heart skip a beat.
That watch was incredibly valuable, seemingly an exclusive limited edition.
This doctor was definitely not an ordinary person.
Michael spoke up, "I'm here to talk about Lily. She can't keep living with you."
Dennis raised an eyebrow, "And?"
"If you really care about her, stop encouraging her. If my brother finds out, she'll be stuck at the Roberts Mansion, which won't help her prepare for her exams. I just want things to be calm until then, for her sake. What do you think?"
Dennis's voice was slow and arrogant. "You have no right to tell me what to do. And no one can force Lily to agree. Otherwise, what happened to your company before the comeback match will happen again."
Michael's face changed. "That was you?"
During the comeback match, Michael and Peter were supposed to compete. But the company had simultaneous issues, forcing them to miss the match.
Peter was still stuck at the film set, handling the drama, unable to return.
Michael's gaze at Dennis turned serious. "Who are you really? Why are you getting close to Lily? What's your motive?"
A school doctor capable of such things? Why deliberately get close to Lily?
Dennis's tone was extremely cocky. "That's none of your business. Lily will do whatever she wants, and none of you can stop her."
Michael's throat moved slightly. "But she will agree. Even though she fought yesterday, Lily is a kind-hearted kid."
Dennis sneered. "Yesterday was her period. She couldn't get wet, let alone soaked. And what did you do? Do you deserve her kindness?"
Michael felt another stab of pain. What had they done? Austin had forced Lily to give her umbrella to Sophie.
He couldn't refute a single word and eventually left the nurse's office in embarrassment.
At lunchtime, Lily finished eating and went straight to the nurse's office.
She saw Dennis still eating and walked in. "Not done yet? Your work meal is better than what we get."
"Got something to say?"
Dennis slowly put down his fork, seeing the expression on her face, he could roughly guess what she wanted to say.
Michael really knew how to manipulate Lily's weaknesses.
Lily thought for a moment and said, "Michael talked to me today. To avoid any complications, I'll move back home."
"Up to you."
Dennis's tone was somewhat cold.
Lily glanced at him. "I'll head back to class then."
She didn't explain further. She left the nurse's office, and a voice came from beside her. "Lily, Dennis is just like that. Don't be mad."
"I know, I'm not mad."
"Then why are you suddenly moving back home? Aren't your brothers biased towards Sophie?"
Lily hesitated and said, "I'm worried my oldest brother, David, will find out and cause trouble. David has a bad temper, and I'm afraid he'll harm Dennis."
"Seems like you're pretty loyal. He didn't treat you well for nothing."
Lily felt a bit embarrassed. "Anyway, I've already talked it over with Michael, so moving back won't be a big deal. It'll avoid a lot of trouble."
After Lily left, Eric swaggered back into the nurse's office. "Did you hear that? Lily's doing it for you, to protect you. Don't give her a hard time."
Dennis frowned. "I need her protection?"
"Sure, who would dare mess with you? But she doesn't know your identity. It's rare to find someone with such good character."
"That's not for you to say."
Dennis was just feeling uncomfortable.
Michael really knew how to manipulate Lily.
When Lily was at the Roberts Mansion, none of them cared about her. Now that she's gone, they shamelessly come back, forcing her to return.
"Dennis, I've always wondered, how did Lily learn the Twelve Strikes? That's your signature move!" Eric asked.