When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 279: Back on Track

Chapter 279: Back on Track

Lily shifted uncomfortably under Zinnia’s incredulous stare. "I’ve always tried to keep it private," she said quietly. "I didn’t want people to see me differently, especially you."

Zinnia opened her mouth to respond but suddenly stopped, her expression shifting as another thought struck her.

She remembered the movie project from months ago—a partnership between Lopez Digital Studios and Lily Oceanic Industries. Her mind raced back to her first meeting with Victoria, the representative and Branch CEO of Lily Oceanic Industries, and how Victoria’s initial reluctance to sign the contract had evaporated after that meeting.

Her eyes snapped back to Lily. "Wait a minute," Zinnia said, her voice laced with suspicion. "Did you... help me out with the partnership between our companies? With the contract for the movie project?"

Lily’s eyes widened slightly, and she let out a nervous laugh. "Well... it’s not like that," she began, her voice faltering as she tried to explain.

"Lily," Zinnia pressed, leaning forward. "Did you intervene?"

Lily’s shoulders sagged, and she gave Zinnia an awkward smile. "I didn’t intervene the same way you’re thinking," she said carefully. "If that’s what you’re asking. I just... may have given Victoria a nudge to look closer at your proposal and the bigger picture. But that’s all."

Zinnia narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly skeptical. "A nudge?"

Lily nodded, her expression sheepish. "Your proposal was great. And, well, you proved yourself, didn’t you? The movie became a blockbuster because of your hard work and vision, not because of me."

Zinnia stared at her for a moment, her mind flashing back to the project—the sleepless nights, the preparations, and the pressure during those shootings. A part of her felt relief knowing Lily hadn’t outright manipulated the situation, but another part of her was still processing the fact that her best friend had played a hidden role in one of her most significant career achievements.

"I guess..." Zinnia began, her voice softening, "it doesn’t matter now. But you could’ve told me. I wouldn’t have thought any less of you."

"I know," Lily said with a faint smile. "And I’m sorry. I just... I didn’t want you to think I didn’t believe in you. Because I do, Zinnia. I’ve always believed in you."

There was a slight tension in the air but before Zinnia could respond, Timmy’s voice called out from the kitchen. "It’s time to eat!"

The words broke through the tension like a ray of light. Zinnia exhaled deeply, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Leave it to Timmy to save the day," she muttered.

Lily laughed softly, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Yeah," she said, her voice lighter. "Let’s go eat before Timmy starts complaining."

Zinnia nodded, but as they both stood to head to the kitchen, she couldn’t help but glance at Lily one last time.

As soon as Zinnia and Lily entered the kitchen, they felt hungry at the sight before them. The table was laden with an impressive spread—freshly grilled fish, scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked bacon, and golden pancakes stacked high. There were bowls of fruits, toasted bread, and steaming bowls of soup. The aroma filled the room.

Zinnia’s stomach let out a growl, echoing the sudden realization that it was well past noon and none of them had eaten a proper meal since early morning. She rubbed her stomach, laughing nervously. "I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I saw all this," she said with a smile, her eyes scanning the spread.

Lily, too, felt her stomach rumble, her cheeks turning slightly pink as she looked over at the food. "Me too," she admitted. "It smells amazing."

Timmy grinned from ear to ear, looking pleased with himself. "I thought we could all use a decent meal. You’ve all been through a lot, and we all haven’t eaten a thing, so we prepared the easiest and most basic meal."

Zinnia nodded, her eyes flicking from the food to the people gathered around. Despite the tension of the last few weeks, the kitchen suddenly felt like a haven—warm and comforting.

It was hard to believe that just days ago, or even yesterday and last night, they had been facing crises and fighting against unknown forces. Now, all of that seemed distant. For the moment, it was just them, sharing a meal.

Everyone then took their seats around the table. Zinnia slid into the chair beside Samuel, who glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the food and placing some on Zinnia’s plate. Across from them, Lily and Timmy sat together, both exchanging quiet glances as they settled in.

---

The next day, the media was buzzing with a new bombshell. News outlets, especially Lopez Digital Studios, and social media platforms were flooded with the breaking headline: Lucas Realty Group Clears Up the Confusion: Bankruptcy Averted, Samuel Lucas Cleared of All Allegations, and New Partnership with Lily Oceanic Industries Announced.

Zinnia had just finished cutting fruits when she caught sight of the news. Her phone screen was alive with notifications as she scrolled through the updates. The headline made her pause, her fingers frozen on the screen. Samuel was cleared? She stared at the words, happy about it. The whole world seemed to have misunderstood, and now the truth was finally out.

She read through the details: Lucas Realty Group had not filed for bankruptcy, and Samuel Lucas was reinstated as the chairman. All allegations against him were dropped after a thorough investigation, clearing his name in the public eye. What was even more surprising was the revelation of the partnership between Lucas Realty Group and Lily Oceanic Industries, an international powerhouse in the maritime industry.

She had known there was more to the situation than met the eye, but the fact that they’d kept this partnership under wraps while the world thought Lucas Realty was doomed—it was a stroke of brilliance.

The announcement of Lily Oceanic Industries joining forces with Lucas Realty Group was a game-changer. As the news spread, investors who had previously pulled out rushed to regain their positions.

The knowledge that a giant like Lily Oceanic Industries was backing Lucas Realty Group gave the company an immediate boost. There was no doubt that with this new partnership, Lucas Realty Group would rise from the ashes stronger than ever.