Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

"Ms. Joyner, how does the Joyner family plan to handle Hayden's accident? Why haven't your parents come forward?"

"Are you planning to bribe the victim's family? Are you using money to resolve this?"

"Have you considered how the victim's family feels about this?"

"How much money do you think it will take to settle this?"

The cameras were all focused on Lily, capturing every bit of her discomfort and distress.

She lowered her head, her long, dark hair falling over half her face.

She had never dealt with a situation like this before. Surrounded by reporters, the pressure was suffocating, making it hard for her to breathe. "The police will provide an explanation about what happened!

"Please step aside!"

She lifted one hand to shield her face and stood up, trying to find an escape from the chaotic

scene.

But the reporters continued to press her, surrounding her from every side.

Just as she attempted to walk away, someone grabbed her arm, and the questioning resumed.

"As the family of the person responsible for this accident, shouldn't you apologize?"

"Why haven't your parents come forward? Are they secretly pulling strings to get your brother off the hook by using you to distract everyone?" "You think the Joyner family's connections can solve this, but have you considered how the victim's family will feel?"

The barrage of accusatory questions came from all directions like an unrelenting storm.

Lily felt a ringing in her ears, her head pounding as though it might explode.

She was completely isolated, overwhelmed by the situation. Images of Xavier and Sarah at press conferences flashed through her mind.

After Sarah entered their lives, Lily had specifically searched for videos of the press conferences they'd attended together.

Reporters occasionally asked difficult questions but would back off when Xavier intervened, always defending Sarah.

Every time, Xavier would shield her, preventing reporters from pressuring Sarah.

If Xavier were here now, seeing her in this state, would he... feel the same way? Would he not want her to be bullied?

After all, they had been married. The bond should count for something, shouldn't it?noveldrama

Suddenly, a deep, magnetic voice cut through the chaos.

"Let me remind you, the situation has not been resolved. Journalists, please be mindful of your words. The Joyner family has the right to hold you legally accountable."

The voice, though firm, seemed to command respect, and the reporters quieted for a moment. Lily, still feeling the weight of their scrutiny, looked up through the throng of people.

A tall figure stood at the edge of the crowd. The sight of him unexpectedly filled her with a glimmer of hope.

The noise died down as the reporters quickly parted to make way.

Terence Devereux, wearing a crisp white suit, approached them. His short hair was neat, and his features were soft yet striking.

His

presence was calm but imposing.

He removed his jacket and walked through the crowd, heading directly toward Lily. Without a word, he draped the jacket over her shoulders.

Lily's sharp, dark eyes dulled slightly as the warmth of the jacket settled around her. She felt at twinge of relief but, at the same time, a pang of emptiness settled in her chest. Would Xavier really have cared if she had been treated like this?

He didn't even spare a second thought for her suffering, stealing Alan away from her.

"Terence," she murmured weakly, feeling a deep emptiness in her heart.

"I'll take you home," Terence said softly, his hand gently resting on her shoulder as he guided her toward the elevator.

Lily nodded, following him, her throat tight with the effort of holding back her tears. She was too exhausted to respond.

The reporters, unsure of how to proceed, stared at them for a moment before stepping back, watching them leave without further challenge.

In the cramped elevator, Lily leaned against the wall, the quiet enveloping her. "Terence, when did you get back?" she asked, trying to focus on something else.

She had known Terence well because of Maryanne.

He was two years older than her, and they had attended the same college.

He had looked out for her back then because she was Maryanne's best friend.

Over the years, Lily had come to think of him as an older brother.

It had been two years since they had last seen each other. Their relationship had grown a bit

distant.

Seeing her like this, caught in such a messy situation, and helping her out now, she couldn't help but feel both grateful and awkward.

"I just got back today," Terence replied, keeping a respectful distance as they walked. "I've heard about Hayden's situation. It's pretty complicated. Why didn't you ask Xavier for help?" Enjoy Ad-Free Reading>>