30: Unveiling Truths

Back at the Everett mansion, Lily was startled to see Michael seated in the living room. How he made it so fast from the clubhouse to the mansion was beyond her. The confrontation between Lily and Michael may have escalated beyond her control in the clubhouse, but she felt it was about to go to a whole new level. Michael’s eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and frustration. “Sometimes, appearances are necessary. But let’s focus on you, Lily. Why the sudden aversion to alcohol?” Lily, struggling against his grip, felt a surge of defiance. “My reasons are my own. Why must you question everything?” Michael’s grip on her neck tightened momentarily before he loosened it, his face inches from hers. “Because, Lily, everything about you seems to be a carefully crafted lie.” Lily, her breath ragged, tried to push him away, but his strength was overwhelming. “I am not lying. I went to the clubhouse for a meeting with Elvin, not for whatever twisted scenario you’ve concocted in