Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 112

Chapter 112 

This was the perfect chance for Lily to brush off the “rust” that had dulled her skills over the past two years. It was also a chance to quickly earn money and gain the freedom to make her own decisions. 

Lily paused for a few seconds before flashing him a faint smile. “Let me think about it.” 

She knew this was a chance, but deep down, she had never believed life had been kind to her. 

She had been born into privilege, yet her relatives overlooked and manipulated her. She never felt she had enough luck or ability to make a real name for herself through this competition. 

Still, Terence had good intentions, and she didn’t want to reject him outright, 

“Terence, you’re still paying attention to things in the design world?” Maryanne asked, glancing up while chewing. “Isn’t the family business busy?” Terence adjusted his black glasses and placed a freshly steamed scallop into Maryanne’s bowl. 

“Of course, I’m busy, but I happened to come across this news,” he replied casually. 

Lily couldn’t understand how Terence juggled the Devereux family’s business while staying involved with Lupier’s work. She even knew about Terence’s little secret. 

This made her feel a touch guilty, and she avoided looking at Maryanne. 

“Dad took Mom on a trip, not caring about work at all, leaving everything to you. I’ve also given up the restaurant job. You won’t overwork yourself, will you?” Maryanne continued talking about family matters. 

Terence answered her in a distracted manner. 

Lily ate in silence, her mind wandering. Just then, her phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced down–it was a WhatsApp message from Xavier. 

He rarely messaged her and certainly never this often. What was going on today? 

When she opened the message, a photo popped up. It was one of her and Terence together, taken without their knowledge. Below the photos, there was a message from Xavier. 

“Mrs. Fulton, have you thought about how to explain this?” 

He hadn’t pressured her to come home, but the implication was clear. 

Lily’s heart raced. She set her phone aside, picked up her utensils, and hesitated. Her appetite was suddenly gone. 

“What’s wrong?” Terence asked, noticing her hesitation as he served her more food. 

“Just thinking about the competition,” Lily said, her eyes betraying a flicker of distress. She didn’t tell the truth though. 

She lowered her head and resumed eating. Terence’s gaze briefly lingered on her phone before he turned to Maryanne, saying, “It’s getting late. Finish your meal and head home.” 

Maryanne nodded hurriedly. “Got it.” 

Half an hour later, the meal was over. Lily packed some clothes, grabbed a small suitcase, and headed downstairs. 

“Lily, we’ll drive you back,” Maryanne said as she opened the car door. 

“No need. I’ve already called a ride,” Lily replied, standing by their car. “You two head back. Be careful on the road.” 

Although nothing had happened between her and Terence, and Maryanne had been present during the meal, Lily had lied about working late and used that as an excuse to visit Bayview Gardens. 

Now, with her emotions in turmoil, she didn’t dare let Terence drive her back. 

Maryanne was about to protest but was gently pushed into the car by Terence.