Seemed fine at first, but who knew where Lilah got it and why she brought it here to embarrass herself?

Karol watched the exchange and couldn't suppress a smirk.

The ring looked like it was worth no more than ten dollars.

Lilah's expression tightened.

Respect required reciprocity.

If Danna could be cold, Lilah saw no reason to offer warmth.

"Very well, I'll give it to someone who appreciates it," Lilah said.

"Mrs. Morris, you are truly a noblewoman. It's understandable if you find my modest gift of a few million dollars beneath you."

She then returned the box to her bag.

Suddenly, Danna stood, her voice sharp with surprise. “What did you just say?"

How could this be?

They were well aware of the Phillips family's finances. It seemed impossible for Lilah to offer such an extravagant gift, especially upon their first meeting.

Karol chimed in skeptically, “Lilah, are you sure about the price? Isn't that ring worth just a few hundred dollars, not millions?"

Lilah shot her a cold glance. “What? You think you know more about my possessions than I do?"

A thought struck Karol, and she suggested, “Our butler has a keen eye for antiques. Perhaps he could evaluate it?"

It was Lilah's first visit, and she had brought a counterfeit item.

Danna had always harbored doubts about Lilah's mother, and now Karol saw a chance to put Lilah in a difficult position.

Proudly, she reveled in her status as the sole heir to the Morris family's fortune.

Yet, she failed to notice Absolon's expression growing stormy.

Though Danna was skeptical about the ring's value, she summoned the butler nonetheless.

Soon, Dobbs Powell arrived.

He greeted Danna and Absolon, and then Karol relayed the entire tale to him.

“Dobbs, please examine the ring thoroughly to determine whether it's genuine or counterfeit. We mustn't let Lilah be tricked by the vendor."

Karol's smile was soft and welcoming, misleading those unfamiliar with her into believing she truly cared for Lilah.