“Mr. Harris." Calvin breezed in, documents in tow, noticeably more buoyant.

He pondered the identity of the generous tipper in Dreamers live stream and rejoiced over Bluebell's banishment.

Gerard broke away from his phone. "You're a Dreamer enthusiast, aren't you?"

"Yes," Calvin responded, a hint of trepidation in his tone. “Mr. Harris, I assure you, my work hours won't be compromised by it again."

His viewership was only ever sporadic.

Gerard's fingers drummed a subtle beat on the desk, the rhythm emitting an undercurrent of tension that left Calvin increasingly flustered. Had Gerard discovered his financial support for Dreamer?

His words stumbled out in haste. “It's just a casual, infrequent thing..."

"Share with me about this Dreamer," Gerard requested, his voice calm.

Taken aback initially, Calvin's nerves settled, and enthusiasm took hold. “Dreamer is phenomenal. She amassed a huge following with just her debut track. She's pretty low-key, though, with unpredictable postings and rare live sessions. She doesn't engage in idle chatter during her streams and keeps her identity under wraps. But let me tell you, her voice is nothing short of extraordinary. We're all die-hard fans. What's curious is she went silent for five years, only to resurface out of the blue recently."

Five years...

Gerard was aware that Lilah had spent those years overseas.

Reflecting on the trials she must have faced during that time stirred a deep sense of empathy within him.

"Mr. Harris, I have a proposition. Dreamer's vocal prowess is exceptional, eclipsing numerous established artists. Considering our enterprise maintains an entertainment segment, perhaps we could offer her a contract. I'm convinced she has the potential to skyrocket to stardom," Calvin ventured tentatively. “Moreover, a fervent supporter tipped her a staggering sum today, evidence of her compelling allure!"

Gerard's expression momentarily darkened as Calvin referenced the “fervent supporter." He retorted nonchalantly, "Noted. You're dismissed."

Once alone, he re-engaged with his phone, his lips upturning slightly before he texted, "Goodnight."

Upon receiving the message, Lilah's irritation surged. Hadn't she set clear boundaries? Yet, he persisted?

She resolved to dismiss the matter, her energy for it depleted.

Transitioning to the neighboring apartment, she found Jerrold already ensconced in sleep.

Lilah gingerly positioned herself beside him. Sensing her proximity, he instinctively cuddled closer, his tender frame nestled against hers in a comfort surpassing that of the softest cushion. Embracing him, she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

As hours ebbed away, the moon's glow was gradually shrouded by dense clouds.

Sometime later, the bedroom door creaked open.

Having toiled until the night grew deep, Gerard's countenance bore scant traces of fatigue. Post-shower, he directed his steps to Jerrold's chamber.

Assuming Jerrold had succumbed to sleep, Gerard perched softly on the bed's edge, guilt nudging him for the recent days of inadvertent neglect. Resolving to spend the night here, he slid under the covers only to halt, a bewildering realization dawning.

The figure beside him was not Jerrold.