She shrugged, a faint smile playing on her Lips.

"Lilah," came a voice from the doorway. Absolon entered, his face softening with relief at seeing Lilah unharmed.

"Dad, I'm so sorry for worrying you," she apologized, a pang of guilt twisting in her gut.

He fought back tears, forcing a smile. A gentle hand landed on her shoulder.

“Dad," Karol started, approaching him, only to be stopped by Kaden and Danna. "Dad," she pleaded, "can Lilah live here? I promise to never mistreat her again. I even have an apology gift for her."

Absolon's gaze was skeptical. "No. Lilah prefers living on her own. If you truly want to get along, physical proximity isn't necessary."

His tone betrayed a lingering wariness of Karol's past actions.

Lilah breathed a silent sigh of relief. As long as Absolon stood by her, nothing else mattered.

Their conversation flowed for a while, ending with Absolon instructing someone to bring Lilah a bounty of nutritional supplements. The gesture warmed her heart, a stark contrast to the chilling events abroad.

Darian's words, spoken before their departure, still echoed in her mind. A shiver ran down her spine.

He wasn't someone to take lightly.

Caution was key.

A few days later, the Taekwondo variety show loomed.

Effie, just back from filming in another city, rushed in, laden with health supplements for Lilah and Gerard.

"This is from the crew," she explained, handing Lilah a bound script.

"Take a look, but if it's not good, we can skip it."

Her concern for Lilah's well-being superseded any penalties they might incur.

Lilah skimmed the script. It wasn't a demanding shoot-mostly introductions, skill demonstrations, and some lighthearted interaction between contestants and stars.

While social activities weren't her forte, she could manage.

"It's fine," she said, not wanting to disappoint Effie. "Just don't make me talk too much."

Effie's eyes lit up. She rushed over, hugged Lilah, and planted a hard kiss on her cheek.

Lilah recently emerged victorious in a Taekwondo championship, thrusting her into the spotlight. Her appearance on the variety show was certain to spark numerous discussions.

“Incidentally, there's a piece of good news," Effie announced, embracing Lilah's waist with a smile. “Your close friend, Briseis, received a last-minute invitation. You'll get to see her tomorrow."

Lilah's gaze flickered to Gerard, who was seated nearby on the sofa.