“I can bring a plus one," Gerard replied, leaving the statement open-ended.

Lilah caught his drift and nodded. "Alright, why not?" She had a free evening anyway.

In no time, she spotted Gerard, poised by the entrance. "Hope I'm not running late," she said, adjusting her dress.

"You're right on time," he assured, leading her inside.

In a secluded room, a distinguished middle-aged man with golden locks and piercing blue eyes sat, accompanied by an elegantly dressed woman.

Upon seeing Gerard, the gentleman began conversing in a foreign language. Lilah marveled at Gerard's fluency, his pronunciation echoing that of someone born to the language.

While the conversation flowed smoothly, Lilah turned her attention to the delectable spread before her. She had a particular craving for the salad, but the dish was frustratingly out of reach. Just as she was contemplating how to get to it without drawing attention, the table began to rotate. Soon enough, the salad was directly in front of her.

She darted a look at Gerard. Though he was engrossed in the Lively chat, his hand remained on the table's edge, subtly ensuring her comfort. It seemed no matter the setting, he always had her in mind.

Lilah's mood lifted, and she indulged in the food before her.

Across the table, Anna Steele's attention never wavered from Gerard.

She inserted herself into the discussion, even swapping seats to be closer to him. The elder gentleman chuckled, suggesting, “Anna, why not pour Mr. Harris a drink?"

"Of course," she chimed.

Anna's interest in Gerard was palpable, and Lilah couldn't blame her.

Gerard had a magnetic pull.

“To a wonderful evening," Anna initiated, holding up her glass, her eyes heavy with intention. Many would've been swayed by such a gaze.

However, Gerard's response was cool. "I appreciate the gesture, but I don't drink."

Anna's face faltered for a split second, but before the silence could stretch, Lilah interjected, "Gerard might not drink, but I certainly can. Cheers.”

She downed her glass swiftly, prompting Anna to do the same.

Yet Anna didn't stop. She continued to serve Gerard various dishes, commenting, “The beauty of food here in Hualand lies in its diversity.

Mr. Harris, you seem to be enjoying this dish."

With a polite but stern tone, Gerard replied, “Actually, it's not to my taste."

Anna's demeanor shifted, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face.

Witnessing this, Lilah felt a pang of pity. Gerard was indeed aloof even to women.

But beneath Anna's downcast visage was a spark of determination. With her beauty, she had always been surrounded by admirers. Yet, Gerard's indifference presented an alluring challenge.