Seeing him, Karol couldn't hold back her emotions. She said nothing, tears streaming down her face.

In the aftermath, Karol reflected deeply. She realized that dwelling on grievances was futile now. Kaden's loyalty would only deepen when he saw her pain.

As expected, Kaden was deeply affected by her tears. He promptly arranged for a private plane to take her home.

Before they left, he invited Lilah for coffee, expressing gratitude for saving Karol's Life.

Though uninterested, Lilah relented to his persistent invitations.

They sat across from each other, engaging in polite conversation.

"Lilah, I can't thank you enough for what you did for Karol," Kaden said sincerely, his voice still fluttering with fear of what might have happened if Lilah hadn't intervened.

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a slender box and handed it to Lilah with a hopeful look. "This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you like it."

When he opened the box, Lilah was momentarily blinded by a blue glow.

Inside lay a necklace resembling the Heart of the Ocean, a famous sapphire piece known worldwide.

“Lilah, you shine just as brightly as this sapphire," Kaden said, his smile warm and genuine.

Kaden's smile was a hypocritical disguise for his wicked ways.

Lilah soon realized his smile was just a facade. So, she knew better than to underestimate him.

"Thank you, but you're overpraising me," Lilah said, reaching for her coffee mug to deflect the compliment and the gift box.

Kaden persisted, "We're family, Lilah-you, Karol, and I. We should be united. And you and Karol have been through a life-or-death experience together, haven't you?"

Lilah sneered, “Why don't you warn your cousin, Karol, to stop causing harm to herself and others? If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have suffered like this."

With that, she grabbed her handbag and turned to leave.

“Lilah, wait!" Kaden sprang up from his seat. “I apologize for Karol's actions. I'll make it right, I promise. Just name what you want me to do, and I'll do it."

Without turning back, Lilah's voice came out cold and detached. “Fine. Here's what I want-stay away from me, both you and Karol. Completely. From now on."

The banquet's schedule was unexpectedly extended, so Lilah and Gerard had to stay in Xylo for a few more days.

The local government moved them to a more secure hotel, where many guests stayed to rest and recover.

Gerard and Lilah were ensconced in a luxurious 2, 200-square-foot suite on the top floor, complete with every amenity. Outside their door, armed police officers stood guard 24/7, their constant presence a reassuring sight.

"Have they caught the culprits?" Lilah asked, her mouth full of fruit.

Gerard slammed the laptop shut, his expression grim. “I've got my team on it. I'll have answers by tonight," he said, his tone firm and commanding.