Gerard's eyes skimmed past her, devoid of any discernible interest.

A hint of disappointment nipped at Adaline.

She was convinced of her allure, confident it rivalled, if not eclipsed, Lilah's.

After all, hadn't she captivated Iker, once entangled with Lilah? She harbored no doubts about repeating history with Gerard.

Brimming with self-assurance, Adaline positioned herself next to Gerard at dinner, incessantly offering him delicacies.

"Mr. Harris, we've engaged a five-star chef for the evening. I trust the cuisine meets your distinguished palate," she cooed, peppering her words with sultry glances.

Yet, Gerard deflected her advances, his voice frigid, distant. “My apologies, I have a particular aversion to shared dishes. I prefer to serve myself."

Adaline's complexion blanched, her smile strained.

Lilah stifled a chuckle, secretly relishing Gerard's blunt rebuff.

As the meal progressed, Lilah savored the pork, pleasantly surprised by the exquisite flavor; the chef's expertise was undeniable.

Impulsively, she placed a slice on Gerard's plate, urging, "Try this; it's exceptional."

Her gesture hung suspended as she recalled Gerard's earlier proclamation. Fluster crept into her cheeks, uncertainty Looming.

Should she retract the offering? Yet, Gerard, defying her expectations, elegantly accepted the slice of pork, savoring it. “Hmm quite remarkable," he concurred.

Lilah's pulse fluttered; she sipped her soup, an inner warmth blossoming.

Adaline's grip on her fork faltered, nearly splintering it! He had declined her offering but welcomed Lilah's with relish. Wasn't this unabashed partiality?

Helga's smile was tinged with insincerity. "Your bond with Lilah seems so deep, Mr. Harris! I wish you both lifelong harmony. That would be a dream come true for me. Lilah has faced her share of struggles. In her youth, she endured the scandal of a pregnancy, the father's identity a mystery, leading to a rift with her boyfriend.

The fear that she might never find genuine love has always haunted me."

Lilah sneered inwardly. Here they go again. Pretending to be well-meaning, but the underlying intent was clear: to demean her. Lilah's expression frosted over. "Okay, Mom, your concern is overwhelming.

You're practically eager to announce this to the world, ensuring everyone's in the Loop, aren't you?"

Caught off guard by Lilah's directness, Helga's composure faltered, but she strived to maintain a facade of earnestness. "Lilah, Mr. Harris is practically family now. There shouldn't be secrets between family members. It's better to be upfront. If he were to discover this later, wouldn't it seem like we had deceived him?"

"Certainly, that's a concern. But rest easy, Mom. Adaline already took the liberty of revealing everything at her first encounter with Mr. Harris," Lilah retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Both Helga and Adaline squirmed in discomfort. Forcing a smile, Helga responded, “It appears your sister and I think alike. We both desire nothing more than to see you settled with a reliable partner. Adaline has led a steady life all these years; it's you who keeps us on our toes."

"Lilah is exceptional, and I embrace all aspects of her past and present. There's no need for any of you to fret," Gerard interjected, his voice cool and authoritative, brooking no dissent. The rest of the table could do nothing but nod in subdued agreement.

The remainder of the meal passed without incident.