27: Unforeseen Alliance

Lily's morning began in an unexpected manner. Stumbling into the living room, she was immediately conscious of several well-dressed men, friends of Michael, lounging casually. The awkward silence that followed her entrance was palpable. Lily, still in her morning attire, felt a surge of embarrassment. Martha quickly intervened, guiding Lily to the dining room. "I'm so sorry, Ma'am. Mr. Everett's friends arrived unannounced. I didn't have time to prepare you." Lily, regaining her composure, replied, "It's alright, Martha. What's for breakfast?" As Martha served her breakfast, they both overheard a conversation from the living room. One of Michael's friends, a man with a jovial voice, teased, "Michael, hiding a beautiful woman in your house? That's unlike you!" Michael's response was curt and indifferent. "She's just someone staying here for a while." Lily, overhearing this, felt a sting of hurt at his dismissive tone but quickly masked it. She focused on her breakfast, tr