Ultimately, Karol wouldn't delay her visit to Absolon after his injury if she regarded him as her father.

Following Karol's departure, Absolon turned to his assistant. "Reach out to Gerard. Instruct him to escort Lilah to my ward."

The assistant noticed the eagerness in Absolon's eyes. Baffled, he sensed Absolon's satisfaction toward Lilah.

With a firm nod, the assistant promptly exited the ward. Stepping outside, he received a text notification revealing a substantial sum of money transferred to his account.

It was, undoubtedly, a bonus from his employer.

Three days later, Lilah and Gerard emerged from their residence, only to be greeted by a striking car parked at the entrance. Absolon's assistant stood beside it.

"Is this your new car?" Lilah asked. She seemed to comprehend the loyalty of Absolon's assistant.

The assistant nodded gravely. "I owe it to you, Miss Phillips."

Lilah regarded him with bewilderment.

Though she comprehended each word he uttered, the meaning eluded her.

Gerard exhaled deeply and guided her into the car. He was the first to receive the call, initially skeptical of the caller's intentions. As the man on the other end clarified the purpose of his call, Gerard grasped the gravity of the situation.

Lilah might not harbor a significant interest in her birth parents. However, she possessed the right to explore that aspect of her identity unhindered by external influences.

The assistant's explanation also dispelled Gerard's uncertainty regarding Absolon's interest in Lilah.

Consequently, Gerard acquiesced to the meeting, keeping Lilah in the dark about the unfolding situation.

Upon entering the hospital room, Lilah discovered Absolon eagerly attempting to rise from his bed, nearly startling her into a hasty departure.

"Mr. Morris." Gerard maintained his composure as he spoke. "There's no need for such excitement. We're here to listen, and we won't depart until you've had your say."

“Lilah!" Absolon struggled to maintain a decent smile, as though any relaxation would reveal an unsettling grin.

Lilah couldn't shake off the unease of being addressed so familiarly by Absolon, causing goosebumps to ripple across her skin.

"Your father... Is he Matthew Phillips?"

Absolon's mention of Matthew's name snapped Lilah out of her daze.

With uncertainty, she nodded.

"Has he ever disclosed anything to you?" Absolon fixed his gaze upon her.

Lilah locked eyes with him, a sudden realization dawning within her. "You..."

Absolon's eyes welled with emotion as he interjected, his voice trembling, "In truth, you are my daughter. Matthew may have deceived you all this time."