Chapter 1189

Lily and Loid entered the private room. They sat across from Elijah. Lily casually crossed one leg over the other as she leaned back in her chair. "Are you here to punish me?" Her voice was calm, devoid of any discernible emotion. Elijah stared at Lily, utterly dazed. It took him a long moment before his lips trembled, and he finally uttered, "R-Reese…" Impossible. How could it be her? Wasn't she dead? Yet the woman before him—though dressed differently—had the same face and the same commanding presence as Reese. What was going on? He swallowed hard. "Y-You're alive?" Beside him, the deputy head of East End was just as stunned. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Reese, who had supposedly been dead for five years, would suddenly appear before them. And then, a chilling realization struck him—Reese was connected to those two children. Hank had picked a fight with the wrong person. Lily poured herself a glass of water, her cold gaze lifting slightly. "I'm their parent. I heard that because they attacked someone from your underground forces, their parents are to be punished? I'd like to know—how exactly do you plan to punish me?" She never admitted to being Reese. Elijah's legs nearly gave out beneath him. Losing his balance, he dropped to his knees. "Y-You misunderstood! It's not like that..." Damn it! That idiot, Hank! Was he tired of living, or did he just have to drag Elijah down with him? "There's no misunderstanding," Lily said calmly. "My son told me what happened yesterday. He used silver needles on the head of East End. By now, he should be close to death, shouldn't he? As the leader of the underground forces, it's only right for you to demand justice for him." She paused momentarily, then asked, "So, how do you plan to punish me?" At that moment, Elijah wanted nothing more than to disappear. Punish Reese? Even if he had ten lives, he wouldn't dare! As soon as Lily finished speaking, Loid glanced at Elijah and said casually, "I heard you arranged a meeting with me to discuss the sealing of East End. Well, I'm here now. Let's hear your thoughts." Without waiting for Elijah's response, Loid continued, "My son poisoned the head of East End, and I sealed off the district. According to the underground forces' rules, what do you plan to do to us?" Elijah was left speechless. This husband and wife duo were unbelievable. They were well aware that Elijah's loyalty lay solely with Reese. He forced a stiff smile and said, "Mr. Laurier, this is all a misunderstanding. I've been too busy lately and didn't properly investigate the truth. That was my mistake, and I'll make up for it." "Alright, then tell me—how do you plan to make up for it?" Loid asked. Elijah's lips twitched. Could this man be any more ruthless? He didn't respond to Loid's question. Instead, he turned to Lily and said, "Reese, I made a mistake. I'm ready to accept my punishment." Lily casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "No need. You're Jace. I wouldn't dare punish you." Elijah fell silent. Now, he was really in trouble. Reese was angry. After a brief moment of contemplation, Elijah said, "Then I'll punish myself." Without hesitation, he struck his own arm. A sharp crack echoed through the room, followed by another. Both his arm and leg were dislocated. He looked up at Lily solemnly. "Reese, I'm sorry. I failed to keep the underground forces in check, allowing this mess to happen. I'll personally deal with Hank and ensure you get a satisfactory explanation." Lily gave him a brief glance, remaining silent and motionless. After a long pause, she finally made a move.