She bit down on her lip, ncing around with sharp, restless eyes.


    A bead of tension ran through her, and she silently prayed everything would go smoothly this time.


    As for Julian, he had to y his part.


    Otherwise, this move she’d made would be nothing but a mistake.


    Her brothers and sisters were all watching, waiting for a chance to pounce.


    Lily’s palm curled into a tight fist–this was not a gamble she could take, nor one she dared to.


    So much time had passed, and she had no idea what the state of the royal family was now.


    It was all unknown, which meant she had to tread even more carefully.


    As long as she was alive, anything was possible.


    And because Julian had truly saved her life, she chose not to hold the past against him.


    If not for him, she would likely have died in that remote mountain, her death unnoticed by the world.


    In those early days, when she knew nothing, hating him had been only natural.


    But now that she understood the full story, the hate had dissolved entirely.


    A faint smile tugged at her lips as she gazed at the distant scenery, her thoughts unreadable.


    Julian didn’t disturb her.


    He had his own share of things to think about–broader, more pressing matters.


    He was no longer the idle, careless heir he once had been.


    With no one left to rely on, he had only Lily, and he’d have to find a way to rise again.


    News of his departure from Ravenshore had already reached the people watching him–and Grace.


    When Grace learned of it, she showed little reaction.


    After all, she had already given her word to Tessa.


    If she went after him and dragged him back now, it would only make her look petty.


    She had only two daughters, and one of them was already distant, <b>a </b>rift between them.


    She couldn’t afford to let the other one drift away<b>–</b>she had to hold on to her<b>. </b>


    Grace drew in a deep breath and waved a hand at Jason, signaling she understood.


    In her heart, she thought, since he’s already gone, let him nevere back.


    Ravenshore was never a ce Julian could stay.


    If he lingered, it would only end up hurting theirpany.


    So why bother?


    This oue was already a fitting punishment for the Hayes family.


    Grace knew that while Albert was vain and cared for appearances, he had always doted on this son of his.


    Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone into the prison himself to get him released.


    After all, the boy had been raised and groomed to be the sole heir.


    But now, Julian had thrown away his own future with his own hands–there was no one else to me.


    If not for his selfishness, things would never havee to this.


    That was why she had always aimed her anger squarely at Julian, rather than seeking to destroy the entire Hayes family.


    There was no need.


    Besides, she understood well enough that it was wise to leave some room in life–people might meet again one day.


    After Jason left, he still couldn’t quite understand why the chairwoman had chosen to handle it this way.


    If it had been him, he would never have done the same.


    After all, <b>it </b>was her own daughter who had been mistreated.


    He never expected that, as a mother, she could remain unmoved and simply let the man go right before her eyes.