Intrigued, Lilah followed, her suspicions heightening as hushed voices met her ears from the shadows. The conversation she overheard turned her blood cold; malice lurked everywhere, it seemed, even in the least expected places.

Opting not to confront the situation, Lilah slipped away to a nearby mall. There, a stunning deep blue tie captured her attention. Her imagination conjured up an image of Gerard, looking dashing in it.

His wardrobe was predominantly black, but blue, she believed, would be striking on him.

Compelled, she approached to make the purchase.

Outside, a cluster of suave men encircled a figure in a black suit.

He was engrossed in the mall manager's debrief, his face inscrutable, when his gaze inadvertently caught on someone in the distance.

It was Lilah.

A rare warmth flickered in Gerard's eyes, quickly overshadowed as he spotted the tie in her possession.

A tie for a man... Was it for someone specific?

A tumult of emotions stormed within Gerard, his mind spiraling. Was there another man in her life? Their bond must be strong if she was selecting ties for him. Could she harbor feelings for this man?

"Mr. Harris?" The mall manager hesitated. Gerard refocused, his face unreadable, betraying no sign of his recent distraction. "Go on," he urged.

After surveying the mall, there were local events he had to grace with his presence. Arriving at one upscale restaurant, his assistant, Jimmy Ginsberg, tried getting Gerard's attention multiple times, but to no avail. What was consuming Gerard's thoughts so intensely? Was he deep in thought about a high-stakes business deal?

Breaking the silence, Gerard finally said, "I need to ask you something."

Eager to assist, Jimmy straightened up. "Go ahead, sir."

"How would you interpret a woman gifting a tie to a man?"

Caught off guard by the unusual query, Jimmy took a moment. Composing himself, he offered, “When a woman gifts a man a tie, it suggests a close bond. Maybe they're in a romantic relationship or perhaps she harbors feelings for him. Ties are personal presents; not something just any friend would offer."

Jimmy felt confident in his analysis. Yet, the chilly atmosphere suggested he might've made a mistake.

Gerard's expression was far from pleased. Was Lilah's affection directed toward someone in Rivendell? Was she seeing that person tonight?

Noticing Gerard's distant look, Jimmy ventured, “Anything you need, Mr. Harris?"

Without a word, Gerard swung the car door open and stepped out. But before he could get far, his phone chimed. Seeing his features soften, Jimmy had a good hunch about the caller.

“Got plans this evening?" Lilah's gentle inquiry floated from the line.

"I've got a dinner scheduled." Gerard's voice was hushed, yet a certain intensity shone in his eyes. After a pause, he added, “Would you consider joining me, Lilah?"

His grip tightened around his phone. Was it presumptuous to invite her, especially if she was emotionally invested elsewhere? Yet, at the moment, the idea of her with another was unbearable.

Lilah sounded surprised. “But if you're busy, I might be out of place, don't you think?"