Amazing? How amazing could it really be?

Lilah's curiosity got the better of her. As she dialed Gerard's number, she couldn't resist checking Twitter, where the latest uproar was playing out.

"Wow, they're seriously rich! They must spend a ton to keep these topics trending."

“No doubt. They're trying to shut down the rumors!"

"If I were them, I'd do the same. Strawberry Baby loves to cause drama. She faked an allergic reaction to get us to cyberbully Windy. I wonder if someone's behind her!"

“Another conspiracy theory? Just because the test results are clear doesn't mean the product is safe. That's just silly."

"Who's being silly? What would it take to convince you the product's fine? Trying to get it for free, huh? You're so cunning."

“Enough already. I bought two bottles of their skincare products. Hope it works."

“Just buy it. Their products are really good. They are totally worth it."

Lilah kept scrolling, noticing how negative posts about the company were quickly pushed down, unable to gain any traction.

Just then, Gerard answered the phone. “Did you finally see how good I am to you and decide to abandon Effie just to have dinner with me?"

He kept his tone steady, but was thrown off when Lilah suddenly asked, "You didn't pay for those trending topics just to get me to have dinner with you, did you?"

Gerard went silent for a while, clearly taken aback.

Realizing she might have planted a bad idea in his head, she quickly added, "Good to know it wasn't you. I was just asking. Don't think too much of it."

She wanted to end the conversation before Gerard got any similar ideas for the future.

But then he said, "Wait. I looked into the trending topics. It was probably Absolon who paid for them."

“Absolon?"

"Yeah," Gerard said with a nod. "Even though there are a lot of wealthy women using your products, not even I would spend that kind of money for Effie."

Gerard chuckled as he said it.

As Effie initially ventured into the entertainment world, she made her own way without leaning on family. Gerard, relieved to be off the hook, didn't offer much help.

But maybe there was some truth to Gerard's words. The entertainment companies wouldn't want their stars overshadowed by a skincare product.

The person splurging on those trending topics must have serious clout and cash. The suspects were few, and Lilah had already crossed one off her list.

“If Effie catches wind of what you said, she'll be even more annoyed with you." Lilah grinned, and then added, “But I understand. I've got plans with Effie tonight. I'll go back once this mess is sorted.”

“Sure thing. I'll be waiting for you at home."