Chapter 44 Severing Ties with the Roberts Family
Lily slowly opened her eyes, her gaze revealing a hint of cold detachment.
She glanced at the items scattered on the floor and reached to close the door.
But Barry blocked her way. "Ms. Roberts, if you got a beef with me, just say it. But Miss Scott didn't do anything to you!"
Lily let out a mocking laugh, turned, and grabbed a lighter, tossing it over.
The fire caught the books, and they quickly began to burn.
Barry's face turned pale with fright. "She's lost it! Ms. Roberts has gone nuts! Someone, put out the fire!"
Only then did Lily forcefully slam the door shut.
She smelled the burning outside and calmly opened up a game on her computer.
But she noticed several private messages.
Austin had sent: [If you join our gaming team, we'll make sure you're well taken care of. If you have any other requests, just let me know, and I'll make it happen.]
[We are backed by the Roberts family, so you don't need to worry about financial support. My brother Peter also owns a film company, so we can help you break into the entertainment industry if you want.]
[I don't know if you're in school or working, but joining Titan Team will be worth your while. You don't even have to be with the team full-time; it won't affect your personal life. Think about it!]
Lily looked at Austin's messages and couldn't help but laugh. She never thought he'd still be trying.
She replied: [I'll think about it.]
What would Austin's reaction be if he found out this small account was hers?
Lily suddenly felt a sense of anticipation.
After finishing a dungeon, there was a knock on the door.
"Lily, come out here!"
Lily heard Austin's voice but continued organizing her things, ignoring the person outside.
Suddenly, the door was flung open!
Austin stormed in, furious at the sight of Lily still playing her game. His anger boiled over.
"Lily, do you realize what you've done? You threw out Sophie's stuff and set it on fire with a lighter. That's outrageous!"
Austin hadn't believed it at first, but seeing the burnt items in the hallway left him in disbelief.
How did Lily suddenly become like this?
Lily exited the game, turned her chair around, and looked up, her expression indifferent. "So what?"
Her tone was rebellious.
Austin's temples throbbed with anger. "Lily, I know you're mad at us for favoring Sophie all these years and neglecting you. But you can take it out on us. Sophie doesn't owe you anything, and her father saved your life! Don't forget that!"
"Austin, stop. I'll move out. After all, I'm an adult now and can't keep freeloading at the Roberts Mansion."
Sophie held her burnt textbooks, her eyes red, looking deeply wronged.
"Sophie, don't say that. When Michael gets back, he'll see Lily's true colors! Now that exams are over, there's no need to hold back."
"Austin, if my leaving would make things better and convince Lily to join the team for the finals, I'm willing to go!" Sophie said.
Austin snorted. "Lily, do you think you're indispensable? I'm telling you, the team doesn't need you anymore!"
Lily raised an eyebrow.
Austin had just messaged her through the game account earlier.
Austin smirked. "I've found a talented gunner who said they'd consider joining the team, so don't think you can hold us hostage with this."
Sophie looked up. "Austin, did you really find someone?"
"Yes, they replied just over an hour ago." He replied.
Lily had a good idea who Austin was talking about.
But she had only said she'd consider it, not that she'd accept.
She looked up, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Austin, are you really sure they'll join?"
"Of course. The Titan Team always offers great perks. Joining us is a no-brainer for them. With enough money, I can recruit anyone."
Austin finally felt like he had the upper hand over Lily.
"Lily, I gave you a chance before, but you didn't appreciate it. You can't blame me."
Lily's lips curved into a careless smile. "Whatever."
"Lily, you need to apologize to Sophie!"
Austin didn't hold back anymore, not relying on Lily for the team's hopes.
Lily raised an eyebrow. "She moved into my room without my permission. I had the right."
"There were reasons for that. What's the big deal if Sophie stays for a few days? You wouldn't lose anything."
"Then why don't you let Sophie stay on the team for the finals? Is it because she's too weak, and you're afraid she'd drag you down? How can you be so petty? Sophie worked so hard that her grades dropped. How can you make her a substitute? We're a family team, after all. Even if Sophie plays poorly, she's trying. So what if we lose the finals? It's not like we'd lose anything!"
Lily's rapid-fire words left Austin speechless.
Lily's face was mocking.
Austin had always used these words to guilt-trip her with such righteousness. But when the boomerang came back, he couldn't handle it?
Austin's face turned red with anger. "Lily, you're hopeless now! If you don't apologize, I'll disown you as my sister!"
Lily laughed. "Good, that'll save me the trouble."
"Fine, Lily, you said it. Don't regret it!"
Austin stormed out in a rage.
Sophie stood there, looking pitifully at Lily. "Lily..."
"Get out!"
Lily slammed the door shut, ignoring the people outside.
Sophie was furious.
Did Lily really dare to do this? Was she crazy?
But Lily's demand to sever ties made things easier for her.
After closing the door, Lily returned to her computer, logged back into the game, and saw Austin's invitation.
He had even sent the contract.
Lily thought of Austin's arrogant attitude earlier and replied: [I'll look at the contract first.]
Austin: [No problem, take your time. If you have any conditions, just let us know. We can discuss them.]
Lily found Austin's polite tone amusing.
In her past life, when she trained and competed for the team, Austin never treated her this well.
He was despicable!
The next morning, Lily woke up naturally.
When she went downstairs for lunch, Michael had returned.
Austin immediately complained. "Michael, Lily's behavior is outrageous!"
Michael glanced at Lily, but she seemed indifferent.
He spoke distractedly. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have agreed to let Sophie stay in Lily's room. She has a right to be angry."
Austin was shocked. "Michael, how can you say that? Sophie was only staying for a couple of days. What's the big deal? And her father saved Lily's life!"
Hearing those familiar, hurtful words felt like a stab to Michael's own heart.
He was torn. If he sided with Lily, Sophie would be hurt.
Michael didn't know what to do.
Sophie spoke up. "Michael, I've thought about it and decided to move out."
Austin immediately intervened. "Sophie, don't be silly. This is all Lily's fault, not yours!"
Barry added. "Mr. Michael Roberts, please persuade Miss Scott. She can't move out; she did nothing wrong!"
Michael couldn't say a word.
Lily, fed up, flipped the dining table, sending food flying toward Sophie and Austin.
The dining room fell silent.