Chapter 207 He Knows How to Handle Lily
Lily was genuinely taken aback when she witnessed Peter strike Sophie.
Peter, resorting to violence against Sophie?
She vividly recalled how Peter had always favored Sophie, insisting that she serve as Sophie’s little shadow. Even after her own rebirth, when she and Sophie ended up in the school infirmary after a quarrel, Peter had arrived and, without so much as an inquiry, immediately blamed Lily. He had even slapped her across the face.
Yet now, his attitude had shifted so abruptly. Rather than feeling triumphant, Lily only sensed that Peter’s madness had deepened.
Tears welled in Sophie’s eyes.She too, had never imagined Peter would lay a hand on her.
Peter’s voice was icy. “Did you not hear me tell you to apologize? Spare me your excuses.”
Only then did Sophie speak, her voice trembling with tears. “Lily, it was all my fault. I shouldn’t have harbored ill intentions, copied your ideas, or incited Austin and David to slander you.”
Sophie’s apology left Lily utterly unmoved.
Peter, however, turned to Lily, his tone suddenly gentle. “I watched the video as well—it was indeed Sophie’s fault. You bear no blame.”
Lily found it all rather absurd. Did they truly believe that a few words could simply erase everything that had transpired?
Her voice was cold. “I understand. If you have more to say, get on with it.”
“Lily, I’ve explained everything and had Sophie apologize. You can’t keep sulking forever, or you’ll throw the whole family into chaos.” Peter’s words sounded conciliatory, yet carried an unmistakable threat.
Lily lifted her gaze, her tone unwavering. “I’ve never been sulking. When the family treated me so poorly, why should I return?”
“You’re right. I’ll go have a word with David—rest assured about that.” Peter then waved his hand magnanimously. “Didn’t you have dinner plans with your classmates? Go ahead.”
Lily departed without so much as a backward glance.
Peter’s smile faded into a glacial mask as he turned to Sophie. “Have I ever treated you badly? I despise being deceived—do you understand?”
Tears glistened in Sophie’s eyes as she nodded. “I understand. I won’t dare again.” Only now did she recall Peter’s true nature—years of indulgence had nearly made her forget his temper.
She had deliberately misled Peter at the banquet, thinking her petty cunning had succeeded.
Yet today, she had been so swiftly unmasked.
Peter’s tone softened. “Go home and put some ice on your face. I’ll arrange a role for you in my new film—here’s the script. Study it well.”
Sophie’s tears gave way to delight as she saw the script. “Thank you, Peter.”
“It’s nothing. After all, when I was once cornered by enemies, it was you who fetched reinforcements—I haven’t forgotten.” Peter spoke slowly, almost reminiscent.
Sophie immediately lowered her gaze, concealing her guilt.
For in truth, it was Lily who had fetched help that time.
But she could never reveal that now.
Peter had always disliked her as the outsider, but after the incident with the reinforcements, his attitude changed.
This secret she would take to her grave.
Everything she possessed now, she believed she deserved.
Stepping out of the van, Lily finally drew a breath of fresh air and regained her composure.
She glanced back at the vehicle, her eyes growing colder.
She would not allow this farce to continue much longer. Had she not feared Peter would trouble Violet, she never would have played along with his public charade.
After dinner, Lily escorted Violet home and returned to her dormitory.
Zoey informed her, “Peter posted the interview video from today’s visit to the school on Twitter.”
Lily opened it.
The title read: [Let me introduce you to my sister—the one who ‘abuses’ me.]
The video garnered Peter a wave of public goodwill, with many dubbing him a doting, sister-obsessed brother.
Zoey hesitated, then added, “The actor competing with Peter for Best Actor was just accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend. Peter’s video was posted at a perfect moment, with impeccable timing.”
A mocking smile flickered across Lily’s lips. “Indeed. Peter never makes a deal unless it profits him.”
In one move, he explained away his injury, undermined his rival, and won the affection of countless onlookers.
He had even coerced her into reluctant cooperation.
A masterstroke, indeed.
Yet Peter claimed he had come solely to reconcile with her. In her past life, she had failed to see Peter’s true nature.
She once believed she was closest to him, but when she threatened to expose that Sophie hadn’t written the script, endangering Peter’s interests, he had discarded her without hesitation.
Peter was a virtuoso at manipulating hearts.
Lily checked her phone and saw a message from Mark, sent the previous night, stating he had something important to discuss.
But so much had happened since then that she had forgotten all about it.
Now, she wondered what Mark had wanted to say.
She noticed Mark had called her, but the call duration suggested Dennis had answered.
Lily messaged Dennis: [“Do you know if Mark has a girlfriend?”]
Dennis, sensing a sudden pang of unease, frowned as he replied: [“Not that I’m aware of. Why do you ask?”]
[“Does he like anyone?”]
Dennis sat up straight, alarmed by the question.
He called Lily immediately, and she answered at once. “Hello?”
Lily was surprised by his call—did something happen with Mark?
After a pause, Dennis finally spoke. “Why are you asking so many questions about Mark’s love life?”
His jaw tightened as he waited.
Lily hesitated. “It’s nothing, really. Just curious, that’s all.”
Perhaps she was overthinking things.
Whatever Mark wanted to say might not have been about this at all.
Dennis narrowed his eyes. “There must be a reason. You wouldn’t ask without one.”
Lily considered, then said, “You answered Mark’s call last night, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
Dennis’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Nothing in particular.”
“Really?”
“What do you think he would have said?”
“If I knew, why would I be asking you?” Lily retorted.
Dennis thought for a moment—perhaps Mark hadn’t had the chance to speak. Thank goodness.
Their conversation ended in silence on both ends.
Dennis finally spoke. “If there’s nothing else, get some rest.”
“All right. Goodnight.”
After hanging up, Lily resolved to head to the gym and practice boxing.
If only she were stronger, she might have been able to resist last night’s ordeal.
At the very least, she wouldn’t be so powerless.
Soon after, Lily received several calls from potential sponsors, all eager to support the team base.
She knew full well this was the effect of Peter’s interview video—now everyone at school was aware she was the sister of a celebrity.
It all felt utterly revolting, as if she had swallowed something foul.
Peter had orchestrated it deliberately.
Glancing at the team’s recent expenditures, Lily realized funds were running low—she desperately needed sponsorships.
Just then, Dennis called, his voice low and steady. “Are you short on funds?”
“It’s not me, it’s the team. I’ve had a falling out with Samantha, so the Harper family has cut off sponsorship and pressured other companies to withdraw as well.”
“Maple Leaf Corporation can provide sponsorship—why not ask?”
Lily hesitated. “I wanted to see if I could secure sponsorship without relying on connections.”
“In business, leveraging relationships is a form of strength. Don’t be so rigid.”
Lily smiled slightly. “Then thank you for your support.”
She hung up and had barely reached her dormitory when someone suddenly sprayed white streamers at her. “Lily, you must drop the charges and let Austin go!”
Lily raised her arm to shield herself, noticing the group wielding Austin’s support banners—clearly his fans.
She snatched the streamer from one of them.
At that moment, Peter suddenly appeared, positioning himself protectively before Lily.
“Everyone, listen,” he announced, “Austin’s case is still under investigation. Lily has nothing to do with it.”
Austin’s fans persisted. “But we heard Lily was the one who pressed charges. How could a sister be so vicious, sending her own brother to jail?”
“You’re mistaken—Lily would never press charges. She’s not that kind of person,” Peter replied smoothly, turning to Lily with a smile. “Isn’t that right? Go ahead and explain to everyone.”