Chapter 60 She Panicked
Lily didn't react much when she saw Michael and Austin arrive.
She looked calmly at Bruce and said, "Let's reschedule."
Bruce nodded and turned to Austin. "I'm not wrong. If I had a sister with so much talent, I'd treat her like royalty, doing everything to support her. Who'd ignore a capable sister to suck up to a weak, fake one? Isn't that just dumb?"
Austin's face turned dark with anger. "You don't get it!"
He wasn't trying to suppress Lily! He wanted her on the Titan Team for the finals more than anyone!
They just had a minor disagreement.
After Bruce left, several team coaches eagerly approached Lily and handed her their business cards.
Austin was left standing alone, watching as admirers surrounded Lily.
He thought to himself, if Lily ignored these people and didn't join the Bubble Buddies Team, he would apologize and let go of their little spat.
Lily collected a stack of business cards, surprised by the attention.
"Congrats, Lily," Michael said cautiously after the crowd dispersed. He noticed how much Lily had changed.
Lily looked up at Michael. "Thanks."
Austin couldn't hold back any longer. "Lily, you still haven't answered my question. Why did you keep this from me? Did you find it funny?"
Lily glanced at Austin, noticing the unease in his eyes. Was he feeling guilty?
Her tone was cold. "I was gonna tell you after the SATs, but do you need me to repeat what you said in my room that day?"
Her calm, steady voice cut through Austin like a knife. He recalled his harsh words from that day and felt utterly humiliated.
His eyes reddened. "Why didn't you tell me then?"
"I didn't have to."
"How could you not?"
Austin blocked Lily's path. "I thought our disagreements were never serious. I spoke out of turn that day, but you could have corrected me. Why didn't you?"
If Lily had spoken up then, none of this would have happened. Maybe she wouldn't have gone to Crayfish to stream.
Lily stepped back, creating a safe distance, her cold demeanor stinging Austin.
Violet chimed in sarcastically, "Lily has suffered so much because of Sophie. Now you're getting a taste of it, and you can't handle it? Imagine how hard it's been for Lily all these years!"
Austin instinctively defended himself. "That's why I asked her! If she'd told me sooner, none of this would have happened, right?"
Violet's voice rose. "So you're saying it's all Lily's fault?"
"Isn't it?" Austin replied reflexively, then glanced at Lily, feeling guilty. "We're family. We should be able to talk things out. You hid your identity and streamed on Crayfish just to spite me, didn't you?"
Lily's eyes narrowed. "If that's what you think, I can't help you."
She streamed on Crayfish not to spite Austin but to escape the control of the Roberts family.
"Alright, everyone, let's chill," Michael interjected, trying to smooth things over. He looked at Austin. "But you did say some hurtful things. You should apologize to Lily."
Austin reluctantly agreed. "I'll apologize, but she can't join the Bubble Buddies Team or sign with Crayfish."
He believed Lily was doing this to get back at him. He would apologize, but she couldn't continue with her plans.
Michael sighed and turned to Lily. "Lily, I think signing with another platform isn't a good idea. This industry is complicated, and I worry about you. Signing with Austin's company is the best choice. What do you think?"
Lily's gaze was firm. "I have the freedom to choose who I sign with."
"But I worry about you, Lily. Austin realizes his mistakes and promises it won't happen again. Don't stay mad."
Lily smirked. "I'm not mad."
It was they who wouldn't leave her alone.
She turned to leave, not wanting to waste more words.
Austin watched her go, feeling frustrated. "Michael, look at her attitude. I said I'd apologize. What more does she want?"
"Austin, you caused this. Find a way to apologize and earn Lily's forgiveness."
Austin fell silent, wondering what more he could do. Lily had played him, and he hadn't even held it against her. Why wouldn't she forgive him?
He watched as Lily mingled with the crowd, people greeting her and taking photos. Her calm demeanor made her seem like a different person.
Sophie, watching from the side, felt a surge of jealousy. She had dressed up to make an impression, only to have Lily steal the spotlight.
Sophie eyed her wine glass and got an idea. She walked over to Lily with a smile. "Lily, there you are."
Lily turned and saw Sophie approaching with a glass of wine. Her brow furrowed, sensing trouble.
Whenever Sophie wore that expression, bad things happened.
Sophie, looking innocent, introduced herself to the surrounding crowd. "Hi, everyone. I'm Sophie, Lily's sister."
Bruce sneered. "So you're the one who took Lily's spot and nearly lost the revival match."
Sophie's smile faltered. "I'm not as talented as Lily, but I only stepped in because she didn't want to join the team. If she wants to come back, I'll gladly step aside."
Lily's smile was icy. "No need to step aside."
She turned to get some fruit, not wanting to see Sophie.
"Lily, wait," Sophie called, stepping on Lily's dress and spilling her wine.