“You mean he is lying to me?" Marlene worried as she picked up the hint in Karol's words.

Marlene had a strong bond with Kaden and trusted his every word.

They had known each other for a long time, and Marlene believed Kaden to be a good-hearted man, free from the vices often associated with wealthy young men. She had never suspected him of being unfaithful before.

Karol continued, “Every time you invite him out, he comes up with one excuse after another. Isn't that a form of deception?"

"I don't think he would betray me," Marlene insisted.

Marlene placed full trust in Kaden.

"Is he the only one you trust, or do you doubt others too?" Karol's voice dripped with skepticism, a hint of scorn lingering in her tone.

"When you say ‘others,' who exactly are you talking about?" Marlene's brows knitted.

“Lilah, for example. I saw her getting cozy with Kaden last time,"

Karol said.

Lilah? That bitch! Marlene was shocked to hear that.

With a heavy sigh, Karol confessed, "I didn't want to tell you this, but I couldn't stand seeing you in the dark."

"Are you telling the truth?" Marlene already held some belief in Karol's words. After all, Karol had introduced her to Kaden; lying seemed unlikely.

"Take it or leave it; that's all I can say. Think about what's been going on lately." Karol watched Marlene's expression closely.

Marlene's anger surged upon hearing Karol's words. With clenched teeth, she muttered, "That bitch!"

Since Gerard returned from his business trip, Lilah went all out, setting up a feast to welcome him home.

Sitting across from each other, Lilah raised her glass, a wide grin lighting up her face. “Here's to you being back," she said cheerfully.

"Cheers." Gerard's eyes crinkled with amusement as he lifted his glass in response.

Their glasses clinked lightly. Lilah's smile widened. "Do you still have plans for business trips in the following weeks?" she asked innocently.

“No. Why do you ask?" Gerard would have to personally handle some tasks without Walter, who was still absent.

He knew he'd have to ask about Walter's return soon.

With a smile, Lilah replied, “Just curious; that's all."

Gerard nodded.

The next morning, Lilah pored over a fresh contract, her focus unwavering. She grabbed a pen and marked a section that needed tweaking.