Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 319

Gloria had immediately informed Lily about the smear campaign.

Lily knew without a doubt that it was Sarah's doing. She never imagined that such a method could help her avoid Sarah's targeting and lead her straight to the international competition.

She looked at Terence, her lips parted as though she wanted to say something, but words failed her. She clutched the invitation tightly, her fingertips turning white.

The phrase "'thank you" didn't seem enough to express her gratitude at this moment.

"At the time, Gloria didn't give you the Ace card immediately," Terence continued. "Though she admired your talent, she was initially skeptical about my method of using connections. It was only after your conversation with her that she decided to give it to you."

Terence didn't want to hear any formal gratitude from her. It felt distant.

He had tried to bridge the gap between them, hoping to bypass Maryanne as a middleman in their interactions.

But Lily wasn't focused on that. She tried to recall what she had said to Gloria that day, but her mind was hazy, and she couldn't remember.

"But this card… it's such a waste on me," she said softly. "Why would I be worthy of participating in the international competition?"

Terence smiled gently, offering her reassurance. "Since Gloria gave you the card, it means she believes in you. Trust me, I'm just the middleman here. Gloria values your talent, not just doing me a favor."

Lily felt warmth stir in her chest. It was impossible to deny her joy. Gaining Gloria's recognition proved that she had made a name for herself in this circle.

"With people like Gloria and Dr. Blackwood backing you, I can see how valuable connections are now," she said. "And with everything you've done for me... I'm not sure how to repay you."

She could always earn more and pay it back with interest if it were money. But favors were different—they could never truly be repaid.

Especially with her abilities and Terence's status, she felt there was no way she could ever return such a favor.

"Just keep moving forward. I'll always have your back," Terence said. "When the time comes, you can think about how to repay me. But that's in the future. There's plenty of time."

Terence lowered his gaze, meeting her clear eyes. He didn't dare to hold her gaze for too long, afraid that something might show in her eyes—something he wasn't sure she could handle.

Terence glanced up at the small window of her home. The thought of her spending the holiday alone in this tiny apartment made his heartache.

"There's still half a month until the finals. Starting today, focus on preparing for the competition."

Perhaps if he gave her something to focus on, it would help her push aside the loneliness and sadness.

Half a month was tight for Lily. She was already calculating how to stretch every minute of the day.

Maryanne messaged Terence, urging him to return quickly, as their parents had finished shopping and were looking for him.

Terence nodded toward Lily. "It's cold, take care of yourself. Alright, you can head back in now, I'm heading back."

"Okay. Drive safe," Lily said, clutching the Ace card and invitation close to her chest. After seeing Terence off, she turned and hurried back into the building.

The air was cold, and the neighborhood was eerily quiet. Suddenly, Xavier emerged from behind a cluster of evergreen plants not far away. His gaze was dark and heavy, his sharply defined features shrouded in a layer of frost.