Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 318

"Can I come with you?" Maryanne clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture. "I just want to give her a hug."

"We can't both leave. Mom and Dad will wonder where we are. I'll be back in two hours," Terence replied as he rushed upstairs to grab an envelope and came back down.

Maryanne, fearing that she might break down in tears after seeing Lily, decided to let Terence handle it. He was always reliable when it came to getting things done.

…

It was 2:00 p.m., just after mealtime, and the quiet house seemed to amplify Lily's loneliness.

The walls weren't well soundproofed, and the occasional laughter and chatter from neighbors celebrating with their families drifted through the air.

Lily sat on the couch, flicking through TV channels, each showing scenes of people celebrating the New Year.

She decided to turn off the TV and take a nap in her bedroom.

Just as she stepped into her room, her phone rang. It was Terence. She answered in surprise.

"Terence?"

"Lily, did Gloria give you an envelope during the Avelon Designs Competition?" Terence's voice came through.

Lily paused for a moment, trying to recall. "I think so."

She had completely forgotten about the envelope, which was still untouched in her suitcase.

Terence spoke again, "Take the envelope and come downstairs. I'm here."

"What?" As expected, Lily quickly ran to the window and saw Terence's figure. "What's going on?"

Terence looked up and waved from below. "Come down. I'll explain everything."

Lily opened the envelope Gloria had given her, and a prestigious "Ace" card with the Avelon Designs Competition logo appeared.

"This..." Instead of feeling joy, she was struck by shock.

Terence, composed as ever, smiled gently. "The Avelon Designs finals just so happen to fall after the New Year. You might be abroad, so I wanted to wish you a happy New Year in advance. This is your New Year's gift."

"What exactly is going on?" Lily still couldn't understand.

This invite was definitely real, coming from Terence, but she had clearly been eliminated. Now, she was suddenly in the finals. There had to be a reason behind this.

"Someone sent a photo of you talking with Lawrence to Gloria, trying to smear you. I explained the situation to her, and to make sure you made it through, she agreed to use this Ace card to protect you," Terence explained calmly as if it was just a small matter.

What he didn't mention was how much criticism he had faced in Gloria's office that day. But thankfully, everything had worked out in the end.