When he neared, she endeavored to present her most captivating smile, greeting, "Mr. Harris, it's a pleasure."

Yet, without so much as an acknowledgment, Gerard sidestepped Adaline, halting before Lilah.

"I hope I'm not intruding. I have a business proposition for you, should you be interested." His voice resonated with a depth and timbre reminiscent of a finely-tuned instrument, compelling and soothing.

Adaline was visibly stunned, her rosy hue draining away as she processed the unfolding scene.

Equally taken aback, Lilah simply nodded in acknowledgment, choosing a nearby sofa to settle into.

A palpable tension enveloped the room. The audacious young man who had brazenly approached Lilah earlier now stood trembling, riddled with regret. He didn't expect that Lilah and Gerard shared some form of acquaintance.

Adaline turned to Iker, confusion evident in her voice. "Iker, how does Lilah know someone like Mr. Harris? I've heard he rarely mingles with women in a personal capacity. Surely, Lilah and he..."

Iker's gaze sharpened, a hint of unease coloring his features.

Seated elegantly on the sofa, Lilah gracefully poured a cup of tea for Gerard, acknowledging, “Your intervention was timely, Mr. Harris.

I appreciate it."

Gerard nodded, his deep voice resonating warmly. “I actually did want to discuss a business opportunity with you."

Curiosity piqued, Lilah leaned forward slightly. “Please, go on."

“You're in the realm of jewelry design, correct? Many of my acquaintances are in need of bespoke pieces. Would you be amenable to collaborating?"

The realization that Gerard's acquaintances were among the elite class left Lilah both elated and humbled. However, she retained her composure, replying, "Your offer is very generous, Mr. Harris.”

“It's merely a mutual benefit. Perhaps we could exchange contact details, like WhatsApp accounts?" Gerard's eyes met Lilah's, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Should there be a requirement, I'll be sure to point them your way."

For a fleeting moment, all Lilah could register was the alluring aura surrounding Gerard Swiftly, she extended her phone, capturing the contact of the influential leader of the Harris family with ease.

"Mr. Harris," a saccharine voice, dripping with insincerity, disrupted the congenial mood.

Adaline, with a feigned casualness, took a seat beside them, fluttering her lashes theatrically. "Lilah, it's quite a pleasant surprise to see you acquainted with Mr. Harris. Mom has always been rather concerned about your future marriage prospects, given your past."

Unsure of the nature of Lilah and Gerard's relationship, Adaline nevertheless resolved to thwart any potential advantage Lilah might gain.

Lilah's countenance shifted, a retort on the tip of her tongue.

However, Gerard preempted her, his voice icy and direct. “As the legitimate, eldest daughter of the Phillips family, why would she face any hurdles in finding a partner? At least she possesses integrity, unlike some who would poach their sibling's partner."

Gerard's words felt like a direct rebuke to Adaline.

A smile of appreciation crept onto Lilah's face, and she silently lauded Gerard's timely intervention.

Embarrassed, Adaline stammered, "I... I was merely expressing my concerns for my sister. After all, during her engagement to Iker, she was... pregnant with another man's child. Oh, I... Perhaps I spoke out of turn?" Her eyes darted anxiously toward Lilah, gauging her reaction.