Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter 67

Xavier raised the car window and turned his head to face forward.

"Timothy, go bring my wife over."

Timothy immediately turned off the engine and stepped out of the car. He headed straight toward the father and daughter, who were surrounded by onlookers. Seeing him approaching, Lily quickly tried to step away, intending to leave in another direction. But Bobby's grip was too tight. She couldn't break free.

"Did you hear what I just said?" He pressed on, relentless. "You're going back to the Fulton residence right now!"

She finally snapped, "I said I'm not going back! From now on, stay out of my business!"

He was stunned for a few seconds, and his voice grew louder. "So, you're rebelling against me now? How dare you talk to me like this! Since your mother's too soft to discipline you, I'll do it today!"

He yanked her in front of him and raised his hand high. He channeled all his strength into his arm and aimed a slap at her fair face.

Since he took control of the Joyner family, no one but Hayden had dared to speak to him this way.

Lily stood straight, and her eyes were fixed on his descending hand. For a moment, she closed her eyes, ready to take the hit. After all, she had already been embarrassed in front of Xavier. What harm would there be in getting embarrassed a little more? He wouldn't care or feel sympathy. He would only look down on her more.

Suddenly, her view dimmed as a figure stepped between her and the streetlamp. It was Terence.

He positioned himself in front of her and intercepted Bobby's hand.

"Mr. Devereux..." Bobby's fury instantly subsided.

He withdrew his hand and, under Terence's gaze, released his grip on Lily.

"Mr. Joyner, let's talk this over." Terence's usual gentle demeanor was absent. His expression was serious.

Bobby suddenly forced a laugh. It was a dramatic shift in behavior.

"Lily's mother spoiled her. As her father, I have to discipline her. If not, who else will? But you're right. I'll handle this at home. I have things to do, so I'll take my leave." With that, he took the car Lily had driven and left. The crowd dispersed.

Nearby, Timothy, who had almost reached them but was cut off by Terence's intervention, stood awkwardly.

Across the street, Xavier had also gotten out of the car at some point. He leaned against it with his hands in his pockets and watched Terence and Lily with an indifferent gaze.

After the struggle, Lily's hair was a mess, with a strand clinging to her cheek. Her pale skin and slightly red eyes made her look even more fragile.

Standing slightly behind Terence, she looked at him with shining eyes as if he were the only one she could see.

They stayed in place for a long time, and Xavier's frown grew deeper.

"Mrs. Fulton... Mr. Fulton asked you to come to the car," Timothy said carefully as he approached her.

The Devereux family knew about Xavier and Lily's marriage, so Timothy didn't hide his words.

Terence looked across the road, only then noticing Xavier standing there.

He nodded in acknowledgment, then turned back to Lily.

"Terence, would you... like to come up for some tea?" Lily asked, rubbing her red wrist. Her voice was trembling slightly.

She deliberately avoided looking at Xavier. She ignored his intense gaze.

Terence smiled. "Finally, no more 'thank yous.' It's getting late, so I'll skip the tea. Go on up."

"Alright. Let's have dinner sometime," she murmured, lowering her gaze. Ignoring Timothy's words, she turned to walk into Bayview Gardens. Timothy didn't hesitate and quickly followed her.

Meanwhile, Terence walked toward Xavier on the other side of the street.

"When did you return?" Xavier asked. His gaze was unreadable, and his tone was barely polite.