"Alright, I'll inform them immediately."

"Great, thanks."

Gerard kept track of the time, and when nearly an hour had passed, he drove to the old mansion.

After fetching the soup, he returned to Lilah's place. Upon arrival, Gerard noticed she wasn't resting in bed. “Lilah? Lilah!"

"I'm in the bathroom!" Lilah's voice echoed from within.

Her response eased Gerard's worries.

"I brought you something to drink," Gerard announced.

"Thank you," Lilah replied softly.

After a brief moment, she emerged from the bathroom to find Gerard uncovering a large bowl, filling the room with a delightful aroma.

As the sound of footsteps reached his ears, Gerard turned toward Lilah and gently beckoned, "Lilah, could you come here for a moment?"

“What an enticing aroma! What's this?" Lilah's curiosity piqued, prompting her to approach with gentle steps.

Upon seeing the tonic soup, Lilah's reluctance to drink it was palpable. "Tonic soup? Oh, no!"

"You require nourishment now. Tonic soup is essential," Gerard insisted, brandishing a spoon as he spoke.

Aware of her nutritional needs, Lilah couldn't suppress her aversion to the tonic soup after two consecutive meals earlier today.

“I'm not hungry yet! Perhaps we could save it for dinner?"

Approaching her with a gentle demeanor, Gerard reasoned, "Lilah, listen to me. Once you're better, you can eat whatever you desire. But for now, your weakened state necessitates proper nutrition."

Despite her initial resistance, Lilah succumbed to Gerard's persistent persuasion and reluctantly consumed a substantial portion of the tonic soup.

Furthermore, feeling unwell, she relied on Emma to manage some of her workload.

Over the ensuing days, Gerard skillfully balanced his professional duties with caring for Lilah.

As her health improved and her appetite returned, their bond deepened, and their relationship became increasingly intimate.

A week later...

While Gerard was engrossed in his work, his attention was diverted by a call from Walter. “What's the matter?"

"We have a banquet tonight. I've already accepted on your behalf,"

Walter informed him.