"Miss Evans, I've talked to your stepmom and stepsister and didn't let them in as I know you wouldn't want them inside the mansion," Tom said on their way to the gate.

"Did they insist on coming in to see me?"

"Yes, they even reprimanded the guards and insisted they are family."

Lily rolled her eyes in disgust. "Thank you, Tom. I apologize that you have to deal with them again. I'll ensure they won't return here after today."

"It's my pleasure, Miss Evans. You don't have to apologize."

With a steely resolve, Lily walked towards the imposing gate where her supposed family awaited. Vanessa and Maddy stood there, donning expensive outfits that sharply contrasted with the serenity of the mansion's surroundings. Lily couldn't help but notice the arrogance in their demeanor, a stark reminder of the challenges she faced.

Vanessa feigned a warm smile, her eyes hiding a cunning glint. "Here's my daughter; I can't wait for you to be reprimanded for not letting us in," Vanessa scolded the guards.

"And what got into her thinking I would let them in?" Lily held back her laugh at the thought of it.

The guards bowed their heads as soon as they saw Lily. "It's okay," she said softly. "I will talk to them now while they're outside."

The guards lifted their heads and withdrew slightly, letting Lily and Tom get close to the gate.

"Lily, dear. How have you been?" Vanessa asked excitedly, showing a facade smile towards Lily. Thought we'd drop by and see how you're settling into your new life."

Maddy added, "Yeah, Lily, you're part of the family now. We wanted to check on you."

Suppressing her disdain, Lily replied, "I've been managing just fine. What brings you here?"

Maddy, ever the schemer, said, "Since you're living the high life in this grand mansion. Thought we'd drop by and catch up. Maybe have some coffee and talk."

Lily bit back a retort, realizing that any open confrontation would only escalate the situation. Instead, she maintained a composed facade, glancing at Tom, who subtly signaled that he had the situation under control.

Vanessa's eyes narrowed, detecting the underlying dismissal in Lily's words. Maddy, however, decided to play the victim, "Lily, we're family. Can't we just spend some time together?"

Lily saw through their facade, recognizing their ulterior motives. She clenched her fists, determined not to let their intrusion disrupt the newfound peace she sought within the Grant residence.

"I'm sure you didn't come here just for a casual visit. What do you want?" Lily's voice cut through the pretense.

Vanessa's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Well, we thought, since you're now part of the wealthy Grant family, you could help us a bit. We're facing some financial challenges, you know."

"Yes, Lily, we are about to become homeless. The apartment's rent was so high that we couldn't afford it. We don't want to be homeless and stay on the street."

"These two idiots, do they think I am that stupid to get tricked by them? And why would I care if they become homeless?" Lily raised an eyebrow. "How come? That doesn't seem like the case; you are wearing designer clothes. You look lavish, not homeless."

Vanessa and Maddy were taken aback by Lily's meticulous observation but instantly gained their composure. Vanessa smiled hesitantly. "Lily, this is some of the clothes left. Most of our clothes are sold to get by for our daily needs. Can you let us stay for a while?"

The audacity of their request left Lily incredulous. She took a deep breath, gathering her composure. "Vanessa, I don't work here, and Uncle Bruce supports me. It wouldn't be nice if I asked him to adopt you and feed you both. You're both adults, fit to work to fend for yourself. I won't be assisting you with your financial mess. Find another solution."

Tom, Bruce's assistant, observed the exchange silently, ready to intervene if needed. Though angered by their intrusion, Lily maintained a composed exterior, determined not to let them manipulate her. As Vanessa and Maddy processed her response, Lily couldn't help but feel a surge of empowerment, realizing that the tables had turned.

"Lily, whatever it is that we did before that upsets you. We apologize. Can we start all over again as a family? For the memory of your Dad, I'm sure he'll be happy if we forgive and forget," Vanessa pleaded. Her eyes were red, like she was about to cry. Her acting skills have improved immensely.

"Yes, Lily, I apologized too. I've been hard on you before. Now, I realize my mistakes. Please give me a second chance. After all, we are sisters," Maddy added, desperately wanting to get to Grant's mansion.

"Sisters?" Lily's eyes narrowed, dissecting Vanessa and Maddy's seemingly apologetic expressions. Their plea for forgiveness rang hollow, and she could almost taste the insincerity in the air. "Now, they look like puppies begging for their bones. Just yesterday, they were lions wanting to devour me whole. They're willing to go this far to trick me. But I'd be happy to disappoint them." A smirk slept her lips.

"Apologies won't undo the past, Vanessa, Maddy. You both had your chances, and you squandered them," Lily asserted, her voice steady but stern. "I can't just forget the pain you caused, especially to my mom."

Vanessa's gaze dropped to the ground, a feeble attempt to appear remorseful. Maddy, however, mustered a tear, attempting to tug at Lily's sympathy.

"We've got no place to go, Lily. We're desperate. Can't you find it in your heart to help us, just this once?" Vanessa pleaded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Lily's resolve remained unshaken. "Your desperation is not my responsibility. You made your bed; now you lie in it. Leave before I change my mind."

As Lily turned away, Tom approached, ready to enforce Lily's decision if necessary. The guards, sensing the tension, stood vigilant at the gate.

Maddy's voice quivered, "Lily, please!"

But Lily, fueled by the memories of their past betrayals, held her ground. "No more chances, Vanessa, Maddy. Start a new life together and learn from your past mistakes."

"Lily, you're so arrogant now that you have a sugar Daddy to fend for your whims. You were poorer than us a few days ago, but now you act high and mighty. Do you really think Ethan would like you?"

As Maddy's venomous words echoed in the air, Lily felt anger and disbelief. Lily wouldn't want to repeat her argument with Maddy in the apartment. She has nothing to prove to any of them. And she knows Bruce Grant's intention of helping was pure. But she couldn't allow her to bring Ethan's name to their argument.

"Don't bring Ethan's name into this conversation, Maddy," Lily gritted her teeth. A strange feeling of protecting Ethan arose even if he didn't acknowledge her as a friend.

Maddy smirked in victory, sensing she had affected Lily's feelings. She was correct; Lily has a crush on Ethan. "It should be me with Ethan and not Lily. Ethan would be the second to join the Grant's enterprises after his brother Kurt. If I could get close to Ethan, I would snatch him from Lily and make her jealous. And I would live a lavish lifestyle if I got to be Ethan's boyfriend. It may be time for plan B." Maddy was preoccupied with her nasty thoughts as his mom spoke.

Vanessa, sensing the conversation slipping away, attempted a final blow. "If you're so curious about your father's death, maybe you should consider being on our good side. We might have information that could enlighten you."

Lily's eyes narrowed a flicker of curiosity beneath her frustration. Yet, she resisted the urge to engage further. "This might be her way of luring her to be good to them, but I'm not giving them the satisfaction of winning in their schemes."

"Leave, or I won't be responsible for what happens next. The police will be called to pick you up."

Vanessa and Maddy, faced with the unwavering resolve in Lily's eyes, had no choice but to retreat. Lily watched as they slinked away, their hopes of exploiting her generosity shattered.

As Lily retreated back into the mansion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Tom had skillfully defused the situation, preventing further intrusion into her newfound life at the Grant residence. He has instructed the guards to call the police the next time they see both women.

Lily was toying with her food, contemplating Vanessa's cryptic words. "Was Vanessa telling the truth or just lying to get my attention? The mom and daughter duo wouldn't let me live in peace even when I was away from them. Vanessa was likely lying."

A web of questions spun in her mind, but she pushed them aside. For now, her focus remained on the life she was building within the confines of the Grant mansion, a life free from the toxicity of her past.

"Is there a problem, Lily?" Bruce asked with a hint of concern in his voice. They are having breakfast together.

Lily swallowed hard. "Nothing, Uncle Bruce." She doesn't want to disturb Bruce about Maddy and Vanessa, as she can handle them alone. It would be too much of a favor to ask Bruce for another favor. He is a busy man and has companies to run.

"If anything is bothering you. Let me know. I am here to help," Bruce said softly.

Lily smiled, "I will, Uncle Bruce."

Bruce nodded. After a while, he put his cutlery on his plate and faced Lily again. "I was wondering if this is the right time for you to visit the company?"

A light of hope flickers in Lily's eyes. "Are you inviting me to visit your company, Uncle Bruce?"

Learning from Bruce Grant would be a rare opportunity. He is well-known globally for being a billionaire with a heart who started from the company he inherited from his parents, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. People admire him for regaining their prominent societal status from being poor as a beggar to being the wealthiest family.

"Yes, if that's okay with you."

"Of course it is," she said excitedly, beaming with happiness. Bruce Grant was even happier to see Lily elated by his invitation.

Lily paused and remembered her intention of asking Bruce about her mom and Ethan if they had happened to meet before. But she doesn't want to ruin the atmosphere around them and let it pass. "Maybe this isn't the right time."