Over the previous days, Absolon had envisioned numerous scenarios for Lilah's return to the Morris family.

Perhaps Lilah would come back quietly, or perhaps she would make a grand entrance. Absolon even toyed with the idea of announcing to the world that he had found his daughter, hoping it might bring Joselyn back to him as well.

Eventually, Absolon ignored these ideas one after another. He chose the most traditional approach for Lilah's return to the Morris family.

Even though Absolon was accustomed to many events, he appeared more anxious than Lilah.

“After the party, I'll take you home. I won't ask you to stay. But your mother Lived there once, and I think... you might want to visit.”

Absolon sighed, his face marked with sorrow.

“I won't dwell on the sad things. Are you planning to wait for Gerard here?"

Lilah shook her head and said, "No, I'll wait for him in the hall. He just told me he's still on the plane."

Absolon had scheduled the party at the same time Gerard had chosen to go on a business trip.

However, Gerard never liked the idea of Lilah going to parties alone.

He knew how attractive Lilah was and wanted to be by her side always.

So, when he heard that Lilah was attending this party, he arranged a private plane early in the morning. After wrapping up a business deal in the afternoon, he rushed back.

Although Lilah thought his actions were over the top, she knew his ways weren't easily changed by her words. She had grown used to it.

Absolon nodded and smiled. "Alright, I'm sure he won't be late. Go on in and take a look around. I'll go get things ready."

Lilah agreed, and after leaving the car and going their separate ways, Absolon checked on the evening's arrangements while Lilah headed to the front hall.

Though the party had yet to start, many guests had already arrived.

Lilah was not much for parties; she glanced around and spotted a familiar face.

“Laura.” Lilah approached her, causing Laura, who was holding a small cake, to jump in surprise. She calmed herself and said, "You startled me. I thought you were my mother. You're here too, Lilah."

"What do you mean by that?" Lilah was puzzled. "Is there a rule that forbids me from attending the Morris family's banquet?"

"That's not what I mean." Laura quickly dismissed the idea, waving her hand as she explained, “Karol usually makes the guest list for the Morris family's banquets, and since you just beat her at the perfume-making competition, wouldn't your presence here overshadow her? If I were her, I wouldn't have invited you."

Laura nudged Lilah playfully. “And why didn't you tell me sooner that you were Windy? You know I adore Windy. Don't you consider me a friend anymore?"

"I've mentioned that you've met Windy, but you never believed it, did you?"

Laura was momentarily lost for words. She sulked and then said, "Well, you kept it a secret from me. I'll forgive you if you give me two of your finest perfumes.”

"Alright, I'll send them to you later."