They finished their meal together, the clinking of cutlery against plates the only sound. By now, Lilah had lost any hope for the testing results.

Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang, its sharp tone slicing through the quiet.

Recognizing the number from the testing center, she quickly answered. "Hello?"

"The results are out. Do you still want the knife back? If not, we will dispose of it," the voice on the other end said, formal and precise.

Hearing this, Lilah's heart leapt. "The results are out?"

"Yes, we emailed you yesterday. Didn't you receive it?" the voice responded.

She put the call on speaker and checked her email. Her eyes lit up as she read the report.

It was exactly what she needed.

The knife had indeed been touched by Tess, and with the evidence of her conversation with Tess, she could incriminate her.

"I got it. Thank you," Lilah said, relief and determination mingling in her tone.

"Do you want us to keep the knife for you, or..." The voice on the other end trailed off, waiting for her decision.

"I'LL come get it now," Lilah interrupted, her voice firm and resolute, cutting through any hesitation.

"Okay,"" the voice replied, the line disconnecting with a faint click, leaving the air charged with anticipation.

After hanging up, she went downstairs and saw a group of men waiting for her, their dark suits creating a stark contrast against the bright morning light.

She ignored them until the leader approached her. "Miss Phillips, Mr. Harris sent us here to ensure your safety."

“Alright, get in your car and follow me," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Lilah drove with a determined expression, her fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly, the men trailing behind her in a convoy.

She drove to the testing center first, her mind racing with thoughts of the evidence she was about to retrieve. After securing the knife, she headed straight to the hospital.

In the hospital, the entrance to Tess' ward was a chaotic scene of flashing cameras and murmuring crowds. Reporters jostled for position, their lenses trained on the commotion.

Inside Tess' ward, gifts cluttered the bedside tables and spilled onto the adjacent bed, filling the room with the mingling scents of flowers and perfume.

Tess sat on the bed, hiding a sly smile behind a warm facade as she spoke to her visitors. "I am truly thankful to see so many of you here," she said, her voice honeyed and smooth, masking the thrill she felt inside.

Her fans eagerly responded in unison, “You're welcome, Tess. Are you feeling better now?"

"I feel much better," Tess replied, her smile serene yet calculated, like a performer hitting their mark perfectly.

Seeing Tess so amiable, her fans grew even fonder and more sympathetic.