At Grant's tower building, a day before the school year started, Lily was still working hard, trying her best to learn business flow. She is seated beside Bruce Grant's secretary, working as the secretary's assistant as she and Ethan are yet to get the project they have to work on.

What happened in the library still troubled Lily. In fact, she thought Ethan was still trying his best not to face her. That's why he made an excuse to see his friends for the last time before the school year began.

"Lily, Mr. Grant wants to see you," said Alice, Mr. Grant's secretary.

Lily nodded at Alice, excusing herself to see Bruce Grant. As she walked, she heard the gossip once more. She knew it was about her and Bruce Grant's alleged relationship, which she finds awful. Yet, she doesn't want to talk to Mr. Grant about it as she doesn't want to appear weak. She can handle her issues and show them that nothing circulating online is true. Besides, Bruce Grant had enough on his plate as the chairman of Grant Enterprises.

Although she promised not to allow anybody to bully her and she should stand up for herself, she has to choose her battles. Arguing gossipers is not worth her time. Might as well spend her time learning from the company she's in.

Lily was thankful enough that Alice had been kind to her, and she seemed not to enjoy talking behind someone else's back.

Lily knocked on the door of the chairman's office out of respect for the highest man in the company. She learned from her mom that respect is one of every man's priorities, especially for people in high positions.

"Come in," Bruce's stern voice came from inside.

Lily went in and sat on the chair where Bruce pointed for her to sit. She pursed her lips, waiting for Bruce to speak.

"Lily, I asked you here to give this to you," Bruce said as he handed a black card.

Lily was startled; recognition hit her. "Uncle Bruce, why are you handing that card to me?" She asked in confusion. She isn't ignorant about black cards. She used to have it when they could afford everything in a heartbeat. But as their companies began to crumble, she had to stop using it.

"I can't always be with you as my hands are full. Whenever you need to purchase anything, you can use this card." Bruce said like he was just giving an ordinary card.

The black card, a symbol of affluence and privilege, presented her with choices she never thought she'd have. However, Lily, with her resilient spirit, hesitated at the offer. She wanted to carve her own path, earn her keep, and not solely rely on the generosity of others.

Bruce, understanding her reluctance, insisted. "It was your mom's wish for me to support you in any way possible."

Lily, realizing the depth of the promise made to her late mother, reluctantly accepted the card, though not without a lingering sense of unease. Thinking about Ethan, she wanted to decline, but her words stuck in her throat.

"What if this would only fuel the fire about the rumors circulating online? I don't want Ethan to think I took advantage of his Dad's kindness or fueled some indecent relationship with Uncle Bruce." The thought of Ethan's cold stare at her wrenched her heart. "Hmm, Ethan...," she managed to voice out.

Bruce understood Lily's concern; he said, "Ethan also has the same card, as he is already responsible enough for how to use it. I trust you are responsible, too. Don't worry about the rumors; they will die soon."

Lily nodded shyly as she was about to stand; Bruce spoke.

"By the way, Lily, you can cook whenever you like to make your mom's recipe. Nancy, discuss your desire to cook."

Lily pressed her lips to the unexpected good news from Bruce Grant. She had forgotten she had asked Nancy about cooking a special recipe to thank Bruce. "Thank you, Uncle Bruce," she said, beaming joyfully. "I'll cook one of Mom's recipes whenever I can. It's the only way to thank you for everything you did for me."

Bruce raised his hand to dismiss Lily's obligatory thoughts of doing a favor in return for his help. "I never asked anything in return, Lily. I help you because I can, and I promised your mom I will. I can only hope you'll do your best to reach your goals in life like your mother wanted you."

"Rest assured, I will, Uncle Bruce. I hope you'll like my cooking." And Ethan, too. But she didn't manage to voice the latter. "I always like to appear good in front of Ethan, yet he doesn't care about me."

The next day, at the start of the school year, Lily was the first to leave the mansion and was welcomed by the same Black Roll Royce Cullinan she used to go to Grant's tower building.

"Good morning, Miss. Evans," Benny said as she opened her door.

She waited for Ethan to come, knowing they had to use the same car to school. Not long before she was seated, Ethan sat beside her after Benny opened his door.

"Good Morning!" Lily greeted as Ethan was buckling his seatbelt.

"Morning," replied Ethan, but he didn't spare Lily a glance.

Lily's eyes widened at the unexpected response from Ethan. Ethan had been treating her coldly from the start; it was the first time he responded nicely to her. "Is it possible that he felt guilty for what he did?" With this thought, Lily's heart leaped in joy.

"We have to put an act in case some press sees us together in the school," Ethan said nonchalantly.

Ultimately, he doesn't like putting an act on Lily as he still doesn't want to be friends with his mom's enemies, but he understands that their family's reputation is at stake, so he has to defuse the circulating rumors. As one of the heirs of Grant's Enterprises, he is obliged to do so, especially since he is interested in following in his brother's footsteps as a businessman.

Ethan's statement shattered Lily's hope. "So, it was just an act. He was trying to practice how to be nice to me. Why would he feel guilty about what he did? In his eyes, I am always the bad one. And doesn't have the right to stay with them. I am nobody, an outsider." Her heart wrenched as she nodded to agree.

"Let's go," Ethan commanded Benny.

Ethan couldn't help but stare at Lily as she buckled her seatbelt. Her face still does make him relax, comforting his chaotic thoughts. Lily has that innocent profile that could make everyone draw at her.

"Having her this close to me felt awkward, but having the excitement of being near her was strange. NO. This is just the guilt I felt when I was harsh to her the last time we met in the library. This feeling should go away soon." His conflicting thoughts kept him silent the entire trip to the school

Like Ethan, Lily kept her thoughts about what to expect in her new school. Having the rumors about her and Bruce Grant, she could almost see students bullying her about it.

"There's a lot of them." Ethan noticed the press scattering at the school entrance when they arrived.

Lily's hand trembled in fear. She curled her hands into fists when Ethan grabbed her right hand.

"Her hands are cold; she's shaking." Ethan looked at Lily with pity in his eyes. "It's going to be alright," he said softly.

Lily lifted her head, and her eyes widened in shock. "Is this Ethan speaking in front of me? I would presume he cared about me if I didn't know he hated me so much."

"We have to do this together," Ethan said nonchalantly. He let go of Lily's hand as it was calm from shivering.

Lily nodded before she stepped out of the car as Benny opened her door. Ethan alighted on the other door, then walked close to Lily and held her hand again.

Lily hesitated but didn't pull her hand away, understanding Ethan's attempt to diffuse the situation. The reporters surrounded them, bombarding them with questions. Lily felt overwhelmed but maintained her composure, glancing at Ethan, who seemed to be putting up a brave front. It was a strange feeling for both of them—acting like friends when, just moments ago, there was tension.

"Ethan, what's your relationship with Miss Evans," one reporter asked, meticulously staring at Ethan's hand, holding Lily.

They could be mistaken to be in a relationship because they are the same age. It must be what Bruce Grant wanted to appear after the rumor about him and Lily began to gain attention online.

"Our family have been friends for a long time, so it's not unusual for us to come to school together." Putting on a facade of friendliness, Ethan answered vaguely, giving away only a little information.

Lily followed his lead, trying her best to keep a composed smile. The press persisted, but the two walked side by side, pretending to be unfazed.

"How about you, Lily? What can you say about the rumors circulating online? People could really believe everything they see online, especially that it fits your current state," a petite lady reporter asked.

She was referring to Lily's poor financial status after losing her father, who left her with nothing, and she could accept an offer from Bruce Grant to be his sugar baby. Lily found it awful and could almost gag just thinking about it. And she could feel the scrutiny of the press, dissecting every word and expression.

"Yes," another lady reporter seconded. "We've heard you're living in Grant's mansion now. Is that true?" She added.

"Yes."

Everyone was shocked as Ethan answered instead of Lily. The reporters looked at each other, waiting for Ethan's words. They felt like Ethan was defending Lily.

On the other hand, Lily was elated by Ethan's sudden interruption. Her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed.

"As I have mentioned, our family is friends, so when Lily needs help, we lend a helping hand."

"Wow." The reporters said in unison. "What can you say about the rumors about your Dad and Lily?"

"It's all rumors, and there's no truth to it. They will soon die." Lily dared to answer. She pressed her lips, trying to gain more confidence as the reporters might have more questions thrown on her end.

Lily could feel Ethan gripping her hand tighter as it began to tremble again.

"That's all for now," Ethan said, trying to disperse the press. "We have to attend our class," he added.

It was a game, a performance they never rehearsed, but somehow, they managed to navigate through the crowd without divulging anything too personal.

They both sigh in relief as soon as the press begins scattering. Ethan's cold gaze at Lily was back. Lily didn't mind, as her thoughts were preoccupied with what could be in store for her in her new school.

"Ethan?" A familiar small voice of a girl behind them was heard.

"What is she doing here?" Ethan could never be wrong, and he confirmed it as soon as he turned back to check. "Blake?" He looked at her coldly, his eyes devoid of emotion.