Exiting the building, they spotted Lilah, who turned just in time to catch their approach.

Gerard advanced with a grin. "Lilah, we should head to the car. Why aren't you inside?"

“I prefer the fresh air, and I haven't been here long," Lilah responded, returning the smile.

As she reached for the passenger door, she paused, hearing Bexley's plea. "Gerard, may I sit in the front? The back seat makes me dizzy.

Lilah's so healthy; motion sickness won't be an issue for her."

Lilah's gaze shifted to Bexley, her expression turning to a frown.

She realized this woman had too many tricks.

Turning to Lilah, Bexley said, "You wouldn't mind switching, would you, Lilah?"

Before Lilah could respond, Gerard's voice sliced through the air, cold and firm. “If the back seat's an issue, feel free to stay behind."

Turning to Lilah, he softened, saying, “Please, take the front seat."

With a nod, Lilah took her place in the passenger seat, settling in.

Bexley's gaze sharpened with envy as Lilah secured the passenger seat and began chatting with Gerard.

Her fists clenched tightly, her bright red fingernails digging into her palms, yet the sting of jealousy was sharper.

"Are you coming or not?" Gerard asked, his voice cutting through the tension, deep and impatient.

Snapping back to the moment, Bexley tucked her suitcase into the back seat and climbed into the car, a forced smile reclaiming her features.

Inwardly, she vowed that the passenger seat of Gerard's car would be hers, one day.

As the car pulled away, Lilah turned to Gerard and said, “How long will we be there exactly?"

"Shouldn't be more than three days," he replied, focusing on the road.

“I've packed Light. If there's time, can I grab a few more things?"

Lilah asked, hopeful.

“Lilah, Mr. Harris is on a tight schedule. Surely, you wouldn't want to be the sole reason for any hold-ups?" Bexley remarked, trying to sway the situation to her advantage.

"You realize you're his secretary, not his personal housekeeper, right? Why the concern?" Lilah responded with a light laugh.

Bexley's demeanor hardened as she replied, “Our families have a strong bond."

“But that's between your families, not you and him," Lilah shot back, not backing down.