30 Days of Passion and Revenge-Chapter 136: Uncle Bill’s Ultimatum

Ethan slammed the car door shut and marched toward them, but as soon as he saw Lily pull away from Alex’s embrace, he stopped in his tracks.

I can’t take her back just yet.

I’m the one who will win in the end, but the time isn’t right yet!

Ethan glared at Lily from a distance, his eyes flashing with a dark, menacing glint. His jaw clenched tightly.

Lily Anderson, enjoy your last moments of happiness!

"Bang—"

Returning to the car, Ethan kicked it furiously.

Damn it!

It’s only been one night, and I’m already losing patience!

If she pushes me further, I won’t care about anything anymore. Whether she starves herself or threatens to die, I’ll drag her back here! I’ll make sure she never sees Alex Carter again!

Returning to the car, Ethan slammed the door shut, his voice cold. "Contact the office. Make sure they assign someone to monitor Lily Anderson 24/7!"

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood."

"Head back to the office!"

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood."

The car slowly pulled away from the beach. A black limousine descended from the road as it drove off, passing Ethan’s sports car.

"You go ahead and wait on the yacht for a bit. I’ll be right there."

"Okay."

Alex smiled and waved at Lily before turning back toward the villa.

Lily stood there, an uneasy feeling creeping over her, like someone’s eyes were on her. Once Alex had gone inside, she turned to look at the distant beach and saw a silver sports car speeding away...

Could that be a paparazzi? Are they tailing Alex?

If they caught that hug on camera, it would be a media frenzy...

No, I can’t be that unlucky.

Frowning, Lily looked down at the giant dog by her side and called, "Come on, Bobi."

Bobi immediately dashed forward excitedly but, seeing that she wasn’t keeping up, circled back to walk beside her.

Bobi really is a sweet dog.

"Come on, Bobi, stand up," Lily said, raising her hand.

"Woof..." Bobi barked happily, standing on his hind legs with his front paws bent playfully, tongue wagging in excitement.

"Good boy."

Lily smiled, praising him.

A black Lincoln slowly approached, stopping before her and blocking her path.

Lily blinked, preparing to walk around it.

The driver stepped out and opened the door. A sharp-looking middle-aged man dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with slick, shiny hair exited the car. His expression was cold and unreadable as he looked at her.

Lily’s smile froze on her face.

Alex’s father...

"Uncle Bill," Lily greeted politely, stepping forward.

"Hmm." Bill Carter responded with a curt nod, his tone neutral as his gaze shifted to the yacht anchored by the shore. "Let’s talk."

"Okay."

Lily didn’t dare refuse, feeling nervous as she followed Bill toward the yacht.

Uncle Bill had always been a severe man. As a child, she rarely saw him smile except during formal events.

He was the complete opposite of her father, who was warm and humorous.

As a child, she had often asked her mother, "How did Uncle Bill and Dad become such good friends when their personalities are so different?"

Her mother never had an answer to that question...

Once on the yacht, a small round table was set on the deck, already with a Western-style breakfast.

Sunshine, the sound of waves, a yacht, and breakfast—everything was in place for a perfect moment of relaxation.

Bill sat down at the table, his expression still hard. He glanced at Lily, who was still standing and said in a formal, no-nonsense tone, "Sit. It’s been a long time since we’ve had breakfast together."

"Yes, Uncle Bill."

Lily sat down cautiously, watching Bill cut into his toast with a knife and fork. She followed his lead, eating with measured movements.

She was careful, not wanting to upset him.

"How have you been these past few years?" Bill asked, his tone flat, like he was in a business meeting.

Lily quickly set down her knife and fork, nodding respectfully. "I’ve been doing well. How about you?"

"I was doing well. I had an obedient and respectful son, and he had a promising marriage arranged. But now that’s all gone." Bill’s voice was stern, his expression serious.

Lily’s gaze fell, unsure of what to say.

It’s clear why Uncle Bill is here today...

The sound of the waves filled the silence as Bobi sat quietly by her feet.

"There’s no need to be so tense," Bill said, sipping his milk. "If it weren’t for you giving Alex Blackwood Enterprise’s plans, our family wouldn’t have been able to survive this crisis. I should thank you."

"..." Lily pressed her lips together, not saying a word.

She wasn’t being rude—she didn’t know what to say in front of someone as serious as Uncle Bill.

Every word he spoke felt pointed as if there was a hidden accusation behind it.

This version of Uncle Bill was different from the man she remembered from her childhood. Though always stern, he had never directed his anger at her or the other children.

Bill set his milk down and wiped his hands. He pulled a card from his jacket pocket and placed it before her.

Lily stared at him, confused.

"There’s five million on this card. If it’s not enough, I can have my secretary transfer more," Bill said, his tone serious, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Lily looked at the card, stunned, her face turning pale. "I don’t understand what you mean."

"Leave Alex."

Bill’s words were direct, without any hesitation.

"..." Lily pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

"Alex has received the best education; from what I know, you only attended a vocational school. The gap between you two—culturally and socially—is too wide. You’re not suited to be together," Bill continued, his expression stern and unyielding.

Lily’s face grew paler by the second.

Her hands clenched tightly in her lap, gripping the fabric of her skirt so hard she nearly tore it.

"I’m being straightforward. I hope you don’t take offense."

Bill’s words were formal and detached. He continued, "Your profession as a paparazzi is lowly. All you do is chase after celebrities, dig up dirt, and write sensationalized stories to entertain the masses."

Lily wanted to stand up and leave, but her body was frozen. Her throat felt dry, and she couldn’t speak.

But everything Uncle Bill is saying is true.

She had only attended vocational school, and the cultural gap between her and Alex was real.

And she was a paparazzi, following celebrities and invading their privacy...

Everything he said was a fact.

"When you were younger, you were talented and well-versed in the etiquette of high society. You learned dance, music, painting..." Bill paused momentarily before adding, "But that was long ago. How much of it do you even remember now?"

"I’ve seen some of the articles you’ve written for the magazines. Your language is hardly that of an elegant, cultured woman." Bill’s tone was harsh, cutting deep. "Your writing is vulgar and tasteless."

He censured her, his voice cold and unyielding.

"I’m sorry, Uncle Bill, but I need to leave," Lily said, finally finding her voice. She stood, ready to walk away.

"Take the card with you," Bill said, stopping her. "I just want you to understand the difference between you and Alex."

"I don’t see any difference between us," Alex’s displeased voice suddenly interrupted.

Lily turned to see Alex walking toward them, holding a plate of vegetable salad.

Alex stood beside her, gently pulling her behind him as he faced his father. "Father, our family wouldn’t have gotten through the PR crisis so quickly without Lily’s so-called’ vulgar’ article."

"She’s Ethan Blackwood’s woman. Without her, Ethan wouldn’t have targeted us in the first place," Bill said, his tone sharp. In other words, there was no need to thank her even if she had helped save the Carter family.

"Father," Alex said, trying to control his anger but maintaining his composure. "Please show Lily some respect."

"I haven’t disrespected her," Bill replied calmly, sitting back down and speaking even more harshly. "Alex, you’re only clinging to childhood memories. If you two were together, would it work out?"

"Of course it would."

"When you were studying abroad, she was already struggling to survive in society. While you were attending high-society galas, she was sneaking around, trying to capture scandalous photos of celebrities."

"Father..."

"You’re seen as a young heir, an elite member. And she’s been exposed as Ethan Blackwood’s mistress in front of everyone. Your lives are on completely different levels. How can you expect to live in harmony?"

Lily’s body trembled.

Even when Alice Johnson and Emily Prescott insulted her, she didn’t feel as humiliated as now.

She felt like the cheapest dish on the table, surrounded by gourmet delicacies, unable to defend herself against the harsh words thrown at her.

"So, what does being on the same level mean?"

Alex held Lily’s hand tightly, feeling her tremble, and frowned as he calmly retorted, "Does being on the same level mean having a father who’s a government official? Like Alice? Is that what puts someone on my level?"

Bill’s expression darkened as he rose from the table. "How dare you speak to me like that?"

Seeing his father’s anger, Alex softened his tone slightly. "I’m just stating the facts."

"The facts are that you’re with someone who’s not your equal. Your breakup with Alice is already a scandal. Suppose the paparazzi find out that there was a third party involved. In that case, you will ruin the Carter family’s reputation."

It’s always about the family’s reputation...

In his father’s eyes, the Carter family’s status, even his son, is more important than anything.

"Father," Alex said, his voice steady, "You’re a successful businessman, but I’m not you."

With that, Alex pushed the card back across the table.

Taking Lily’s hand, he led her away. Alex apologized softly as they left the yacht, "I didn’t know my father would show up today. Let’s go back to the villa for breakfast."

"There’s no need. I’d like to go back to my uncle’s house," Lily said quietly, her head lowered.

She couldn’t process everything that had just happened.

"Lily..." Alex tightened his grip on her hand. "I’m sorry. I didn’t expect this.

"It’s fine. He’s just looking out for you," Lily said, forcing a smile. "Please take me home."

"Alright."

Alex parked the car in front of her uncle’s courtyard house. As Lily unbuckled her seatbelt, she said, "Next time, I’ll invite you in."

Alex hesitated momentarily, then asked worriedly, "Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?"

"I’ll be fine," Lily assured him with a nod.

Handing her his phone, Alex gently ruffled her hair. "The first number is my other phone. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

Lily’s responses were brief, almost mechanical.

Alex’s eyes darkened with concern. He got out of the car and opened the door for her. "How about I pick you up for dinner tonight?"

"I’d like to rest for a couple of days," Lily said, politely declining.

"Are you still upset about what my father said?"

"I’m just feeling overwhelmed. I need some time to clear my head," Lily replied, her voice low.

How could I not be upset?

I was utterly humiliated by a man I’ve respected since childhood.