Chapter 87 Are You Not Even Listening to Me Anymore
Lily's eyes were cold as ice. "Let's see what happens. We didn't do anything wrong. Why should we apologize?"
"Lily, you're being naive. Even if Ethan started it, so what? If the Murphy family gets involved, your boyfriend might lose his job. That's how they operate, you understand?"
Sophie looked smug and arrogant.
Eric couldn't take it anymore. "You're such a hypocrite, Sophie. You're being way too vicious. The Murphy family isn't like that. Do you even know them? Quit spreading lies."
Sophie laughed. "Oh, I know the Murphy family very well. But people like you, at the bottom, have no idea how easy it is for the powerful to crush ordinary folks like ants."
She sounded so proud, as if she were already married to Ethan and part of the Murphy family.
Eric was stunned into silence by her outrageous words.
He watched Sophie walk away and couldn't help but complain, "Lily, does everyone in your family talk like that?"
"Sophie usually pretends to be nice, but now that she's with Ethan, she's getting cocky and showing her true colors."
Lily glanced at Dennis, worried. "I'll hire a lawyer. There's no way I'm letting you apologize."
After all, Dennis had only stepped in to protect her and ended up hurting Ethan.
She couldn't just wash her hands of it.
Seeing her anxious expression, Dennis softened. "Don't worry, it's a minor issue."
Eric chimed in, "Lily, don't stress. I'm here too. That guy won't dare cause trouble."
Lily suddenly remembered that Eric's family was quite wealthy, too.
She felt a pang of guilt. "This is all because of me. If it weren't for me... ugh."
Dennis flicked her forehead, and she looked at him in confusion. Why did he do that?
Dennis's eyes were serious. "You sounded just like Sophie just now. I had to interrupt you before you went too far."
"But..."
"But Ethan was aiming for me first, not you."
Dennis had clearly seen her push him aside, ready to take the hit herself.
His voice softened, "Do you think your little body can handle it? Don't try to be a hero next time."
"Exactly, Lily. Let Dennis take the hit. He'll be fine, but you could get seriously hurt. It's no big deal for a guy to get injured."
Lily lowered her head, feeling down.
The group left the bar and returned to the apartment.
Dennis gave her a look. "Don't overthink it."
Lily nodded half-heartedly and walked into the apartment.
Dennis and Eric went to the room next door. As soon as the door closed, Dennis spoke coldly, "What's up with your Murphy family?"
"Damn, I didn't see this coming either. If Austin hadn't stepped in, I would've slapped Ethan myself to teach him some manners."
"Make sure to visit the hospital tomorrow and have a serious talk with Ethan."
Dennis's eyes were dark. Lily had been in a bad mood all the way back, clearly affected by the incident.
Eric nodded reluctantly. "Alright, I got it."
Who could've predicted this mess!
Back in her room, Lily felt uneasy.
This issue with Ethan wouldn't blow over easily.
But she couldn't let Dennis get into trouble with the Murphy family because of her.
Lily's phone rang. Seeing the familiar number, she knew it was Michael.
She hesitated before answering. "Hello, Michael."
"Lily, I heard about Ethan. It's a tough situation, but Austin and I will handle it. You should stay out of it. It'd be best if you moved back home and distanced yourself from that school nurse."
Lily pressed her lips together at the mention of Dennis. "This happened because of me. I'm not going to dodge responsibility."
She wouldn't throw Dennis under the bus.
"Lily, stop being so stubborn. Come back home. I promise you'll be fine."
"If that's all you have to say, Michael, then don't bother."
Lily hung up. She wasn't going to follow Michael's advice.
Michael sighed at the disconnected call.
Austin asked, "Did she agree?"
"No."
"Is Lily out of her mind? She can't handle Ethan's situation and will only get herself in trouble with the Murphy family."
Michael understood the gravity of the situation.
He looked at Austin. "Just make sure Ethan has the best doctors and caretakers. Keep him happy and calm. Maybe then he'll be more reasonable."
If a peaceful resolution wasn't possible, they'd have to involve David.
The next morning, Lily woke up with dark circles under her eyes.
She hadn't slept well, worrying about how to resolve the issue with Ethan.
She checked her phone and saw a suggestion from her lawyer: [You could buy some gifts and visit the hospital to try and smooth things over.]
Seeing the message, Lily felt frustrated.
If an apology was necessary, she would go herself. She couldn't let Dennis do it.
But first, she had to go to school.
Lily got dressed and went to the apartment next door, where breakfast was already set on the table.
Dennis was in the study, and Eric was probably still asleep.
Remembering her failed confession at the bar last night, she decided not to disturb Dennis in the study. It was too awkward.
Leaving a note on a sticky pad, she quietly left.
She took a cab to school alone.
Outside the school, a notice read: [Congratulations to our student for ranking first in the city!]
The student's name was covered, adding to the suspense.
Lily walked into the classroom, where everyone was excitedly discussing the results.
As soon as Lily appeared, many eyes turned to her.
After the exams, Lily had become a gaming star on the Crayfish streaming platform, known for her skills and detailed, patient commentary. Plus, her grades were impressive.
She had become an inspiration to her classmates.
Violet was the first to greet her with a smile. "Lily, how did you do? I heard the top student in the city is from our class. Could it be you?"
"No way it's Lily. I heard she bombed the first exam. Her grades must be terrible!"
Calista walked in, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Lily responded coldly, "Still better than yours."
Sophie, dressed in designer clothes and sporting a perfect influencer look, added with a superior air, "Lily, I know you're upset about your grades. If you want to retake the exams, I can accompany you."
Already in a bad mood from the Ethan incident, Lily was in no mood for Sophie's nonsense.
Since Sophie was asking for it, Lily decided to oblige.
"Oh, please. Your scores combined aren't even half of mine. Where do you get the nerve to say you'll accompany me? I could score higher than you with my eyes closed!"