Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 199

Chapter 199 

The requirements for the second round of the competition are much stricter than for the first. Your design is fine overall, but it’s quite conventional There’s some risk involved, and I suggest you keep this as a backup while you look for more inspiration.” 

Terence was meticulous about his work and even more demanding of Lily. He knew she could be much better but hadn’t been in touch with the industry for a while and was out of practice. 

This essentially meant he had completely dismissed her design. 

Her heart sank. Swasn’t confident in herself. 

“There are still ten days before the second round. Give it another try.” He encouraged her. “Clear your mind, focus, and don’t forget you were once Jadeford University’s pride. You’ll definitely be a future star in the design world. Believe in yoursell – you can do it.” 

Right now, Lily was at a low point in her life. She was managing everything alone in work, love, and even daily life. So, the sudden words of encouragement stirred a warmth in her heart. 

Her sharp eyes fixed on him. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, and his figure was slender and well–defined. 

The warm lighting around him made him appear even gentler and more elegant. 

“With such a considerate brother, no wonder Maryanne is so carefree and straightforward. I envy her.” 

Actually, Hayden was also considerate, but he was younger, still playful, and sometimes couldn’t detect her small emotional shifts right away. 

But she couldn’t deny that, in a few years, he might become as thoughtful as Terence. 

Terence smiled, his lips slightly twitching. “She’s been spoiled by my parents.” 

“I thought you’d say, “You can treat me like as a brother.” Lily had already prepared for polite words, but he didn’t say that. 

She was slightly surprised. She had expected him to say just that, given his temperament. 

“As long as you want, even if I’m not your biological brother, I can still… care about you.” 

His words carried a double meaning… 

The car fell into a sudden silence, the tension thick enough to hear a pin drop. She met his gaze, her expression stiffening little by little. 

Suddenly, someone knocked on the window. She turned her head to see Hazel’s face pressed against the glass. 

“Mom,” Lily said, opening the door and stepping out, but Hazel grabbed her and pulled her away before she could steady herself. 

Bending slightly, Hazel spoke to Terence inside the car. “Terence, thank you for sending Lily home.” 

Terence leaned toward the front passenger seat and politely bowed “Mrs. Joyner, you’re welcome.” 

“I have to thank you. You’re busy with work, yet you took the time to bring her home. I really appreciate it, and I’ll also thank Xavier on your behalf. 

“They’ve been having some issues recently, and you’ve been looking after Lily for him…” She spoke with a hint of implication 

Lily quickly pulled her back a few steps, closing the car door and cutting her off. “It’s late, Terence. You should head home and rest.” 

“Alright. You both rest too. I’ll leave now.” The smile on Terence’s face faded 

He started the engine and drove away 

Hazel shook off Lily’s hand, her tone serious. “It’s nearly 11:00 p.m., and you were alone in the car with him for so long–what were you doing?” 

“He was just giving me a ride home. We were talking about work,” Lily replied, walking toward the building 

“Stop trying to make it sound better than it is. What work?” Hazel caught up with her, grabbing her hand. “You keep accusing Xavier of cheating, but I don’t see anyone around him. On the other hand, you’re staying out late with a man and acting all mysterious!” 

The two of them stopped at the elevator. Lily couldn’t stand Hazel’s harsh words any longer and turned around. 

“Have you not heard the gossip about Xavier and Sarah? Everyone’s talking about it. And you think just because I had a brief conversation with Terence in the car, it’s somehow suspicious?”