“Gerard, it's just a woman. Why are you sabotaging everything over this? Even risking your business?" It sounded like a desperate Darian.

Lilah's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected things to escalate so quickly-Darian scrambling to salvage the deal while Gerard was burning bridges.

Gerard's response was icy, a bitter laugh escaping him. "This is just the beginning. Brace yourself; there are many more surprises in store."

Darian's voice rose, furious and indignant, but Gerard ended the call abruptly. He didn't have time for his theatrics.

Without missing a beat, Gerard resumed his video conference. On the screen were his senior executives from Xylo, faces etched with concern. He gave them clear, decisive instructions: sell all assets within a month and withdraw all operations back to the country.

The executives pleaded with Gerard to reconsider his decision. They had built the branch in Xylo from the ground up. Abandoning it now would be a monumental loss.

But Gerard's mind was made up. No argument could sway him.

After ending the video conference, Gerard turned with a keen gaze and smiled. "Since you're here, why don't you come in?”

He was always exceptionally perceptive.

Lilah stepped in with the glass of milk in her hands. “Have it while it's still hot," she said, placing the milk on the desk before settling into the armchair opposite him.

“Are you really giving up the business over there? It's such a shame to abandon all the hard work that everyone has put in over the years because of one small incident," she said earnestly.

"One small incident?" Gerard's voice was sharp, his eyes flashing with anger.

Lilah hurried to clarify. "I mean, I wasn't injured, right? We all came back safe and sound. And Darian isn't as powerful as we thought."

Her words trailed off when she saw Gerard's face darken.

He pulled her into a tight tender embrace, his voice firm and low.

“Nothing is more important than you. Since he dared to harm you, he's marked for death. Just watch. This is only the beginning. He'll pay for his stupidity."

The man had always been like this-unshakeable once he made a decision.

That night, Lilah tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Gerard was still working in the study, though he had urged her to get some rest.

Lying in bed, Lilah's mind wandered back to what had happened in Xylo.

Darian, the fire, Karol's betrayal, and the woman who looked exactly like her.

Could there really be another face identical to hers in the world?

Was that woman her long-lost sister? They had looked alike when they were young. Did they still resemble each other now?

This thought took root in her mind, growing uncontrollably.