?Chapter 360:


    Alice, who had been observing quietly, asked with genuine curiosity, “What’s going on with Lily? She went for a walk and came back in an even worse mood. It’s strange.”


    I sighed, my worry growing. “Lily tends to keep her troubles to herself.”


    Alice nodded, her concern mirroring mine. “Yes, Lily is so young, and this pce is a dangerous ce. It’s not good for her.”


    I fell silent, troubled by the thought of Lily’s future. I hade to think of her as a sister, and I couldn’t bear the idea of her spending her life confined within these walls as I had. She deserved a chance at a brighter, freer life.


    Then the idea struck me—maybe I could help her escape this harsh reality. Turning to Alice, I shared my n. “I want to send Lily out of the pce.”


    “Why?” Alice asked, surprised.


    I nced toward Lily, who was busy in the kitchen, and sighed. “Lily is a good person. I don’t want her to be stuck here as a maid for the rest of her life. There’s a whole world outside with more opportunities and freedom. It’s where she can truly pursue her dreams.”


    Alice listened, her concern evident. “But Lily will be alone outside. Without us, I’m afraid she might struggle.”


    “Don’t worry. Thanks to the reward His Majesty gave me for my pregnancy, I n to use it to open a restaurant for Lily outside the pce,” I reassured her, gently cing a hand on my belly. “Lily is a talented cook. With this business, she’ll have a stable and promising future.”


    Alice’s eyes lit up with hope. “That’s a wonderful idea! Lily’s cooking is exceptional. Her restaurant will surely prosper.” I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.


    By setting Lily up outside the pce, whether I survived my pregnancy or not, she wouldn’t be condemned to the pce’s confinement for the rest of her life.


    With Lily’s future somewhat secured, another thought crossed my mind. I wanted Alice to leave the pce too.


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    “Alice…” Before I could voice my thoughts, she seemed to anticipate them and gently shook her head, her eyes steadfast. “Makenna, I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not leaving.”


    Just as she finished speaking, the kitchen door creaked open, and Lily emerged, carrying a selection of fragrant dishes. “Dinner’s ready!” she announced with a touch of her usual cheerfulness.


    Makenna’s POV:


    As I was about to make my case to Alice, Lily appeared, and I swallowed the words I had ready. Instead, I offered a strained smile as I helped set the table.


    The aroma of the meal was enticing, but my stomach was heavy with unease. I absently stirred my food, my mind spinning with how to broach the subject with Lily. My anxiety rendered the meal tasteless, and Lily, noticing my distraction, furrowed her brows and asked, “Makenna, is something wrong? Is the food not to your taste today?”


    I met Alice’s gaze, feeling an unspoken agreement between us. Alice broke the silence, her tone light yet probing.


    “Lily, how are you finding life in the pce? Are you adjusting well?” Alice casually asked Lily.


    The question seemed to catch Lily off guard, and she hesitated before responding, “It’s not bad.”


    Alice gave me a gentle nudge with her elbow, signaling me to move forward.


    I took a deep breath, mustering my resolve. “Lily, I n to send you out of the pce. I will use the reward from His Majesty to open a restaurant for you outside.”


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