Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 413

After a grueling night of arrests and intense interrogations, the police officially contacted Lilith the following day, formally requesting she come down to the station for questioning.

At that exact moment, Lilith was currently at the Sterling Estate.

Xavier's back wounds had finally scabbed over. The very first thing he did upon being discharged from the hospital was drag Lilith back to the estate to face Xander.

The second Zelda laid eyes on Lilith, her brow violently twitched. Grabbing her porcelain teacup, she hurled it straight at Lilith's head. "Who gave you permission to step foot in this house? Get the hell out!"

Xavier moved with lightning speed, pulling Lilith behind him to shield her from the projectile.

The teacup grazed past Lilith's cheek and shattered against the marble floor with a sharp crash.

Lilith's heart hammered frantically in her chest, and her eyes instantly welled with tears. "Mom, I came back today to apologize to Xander."

"Who the hell are you calling Mom? And who is Xander to you?" Zelda roared furiously. "Have some damn self-awareness! The Sterling family has never, and will never, acknowledge you as a daughter-in-law!"

Lilith bit her lip in utter grievance, remaining completely silent as giant, perfect tears rolled down her cheeks like shattered pearls.

Seeing this, Xavier's heart ached, and his protective instincts flared. "Mom, are you going through menopause? Why are you so explosive? That was Dad's favorite teacup you just smashed. It was a one-of-a-kind antique."

Right now, Zelda found absolutely everything about Xavier repulsive. "Xavier, if you drag this wretched jinx out of my house immediately, I won't have to act like I'm in menopause! And I certainly wouldn't have been forced to smash your father's favorite cup!"

"What's going on down here? Why all the yelling?"

Xander's voice drifted down from the second floor. His calm, soothing tone acted like a bucket of ice water over the fiery tension in the living room.

He leaned slightly over the banister. He had been in the study and deliberately came out after hearing the commotion.

Xavier looked up. "Xander, we need to talk."

"Let's go to the garden," Xander replied smoothly.

It was the height of spring, and the estate gardens were in full bloom, practically overflowing with vibrant colors and fluttering butterflies. The maids quickly set out fresh tea and pastries in the gazebo.

Once the staff retreated, Lilith immediately dropped to her knees on the stone floor.

"I'm so sorry, Xander. Back then, seeing Xavier holding Summer completely shattered me. The shock was too much, so I got drunk. I was completely out of my mind, and I honestly don't remember if I pushed you. But if I did, I accept full responsibility."

"I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit, Xander. But please, don't force Xavier and me to divorce. We've loved each other since we were kids. We fought so hard to finally be together. Please, just give us your blessing."

Xander offered her a mild, unbothered glance and chuckled softly. "Are you entirely sure you came here to beg for forgiveness?"

"Yes." Lilith nodded emphatically, making sure her posture looked as submissive and desperate as possible. "Whether you want to beat me, curse at me, or throw me in prison, I'll accept it all without complaint."

Xander slowly traced the rim of his teacup with his long, slender fingers, his gaze remaining terrifyingly calm. "That's very strange. From what you just said, I don't feel a single ounce of genuine remorse."

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