"Forget it, Karol. It's pointless to argue with someone Like her," one of the two women who had earlier scolded Lilah said as they grabbed Karol's arms, visibly annoyed. “You're too kind-hearted. She's just aggressive."

“Exactly. Don't stoop to her level. Let's leave," the other woman said.

As they walked away, Lilah watched them go, a slight smile playing on her lips as she took a sip of champagne.

“So you just let them walk away?" Gerard inquired.

"Uh-huh," Lilah responded nonchalantly. "Just wait. They won't let this go so easily."

"You knew that, so why did you let them leave?" Laura asked, puzzled.

"I thought you'd take this chance to embarrass them."

“I'll embarrass them soon enough. But first, we need to figure out whose turf we're really on," Lilah explained with a smirk.

Laura looked even more baffled. Gerard, catching on, raised his eyebrows at Laura, and then she caught on and walked away.

It was only then that he reached out and embraced Lilah. He lowered his voice, speaking in a deep tone. "Aren't you worried they might seek revenge later?"

"What is there to be afraid of? They're troublesome regardless. Besides, they provoked me first. If they end up embarrassed, they only have themselves to blame."

Nearby, the two women led Karol aside. As Karol turned, she caught sight of Lilah nestled against Gerard's chest, looking content.

Karol clenched her glass, anger flashing across her face.

Her friends tried to soothe her, one of them saying, "Don't waste your anger on her!"

“You excel in perfumery, medicine, and business. You surpass her in every way. There must be some secret to your setbacks!"

Their words, spoken loudly, reached Lilah's ears, aligning perfectly with her expectations. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Absolon approaching slowly from the backstage area. She subtly leaned into Gerard, nudging him. "Aren't you going to mingle?"

"It's not necessary," Gerard replied, shaking his head. “It's not our first meeting, nor will it be the last."

“But it's necessary. How else will they reveal their true selves if you don't step away?"

Realizing this was also part of her strategy, Gerard smirked slightly.

"Oh, I see I'm part of your plan. Have you thought about how you'll make it up to me?"

“Of course," Lilah replied, her cheeks coloring slightly. "We'll talk about it when we get back. You go ahead."

As Gerard departed, Karol's friends predictably raised their voices.

"Karol, people from poor families like Lilah don't have any manners. Honestly, you shouldn't invite her, or she'll just embarrass herself!"

Karol's friend sneered, making sure her voice carried to Lilah, who stood nearby.