"She shouldn't have been so conspicuous. Mr. Harris belongs to all of us."

Maggie couldn't help but shiver when she overheard these comments.

She couldn't deny that these rich ladies were cunning, and Lilah's innocence was a glaring contrast. Now, she had become a thorn in their sides.

But what fate awaited Lilah at the hands of Gerard?

Lilah and Gerard made their way to the upstairs lounge, finding Jerrold indulging in some cake. When the boy spotted Lilah, his face brightened, and he hurried over, seizing her hand. Surprised and delighted, Lilah exclaimed, "Oh, you're here too?"

"Yes," responded Jerrold, beaming.

Lilah mused aloud, “Brenda seems quite close to you guys.”

At this, Gerard offered a cough while confusion danced across Jerrold's features. Brenda? Did she mean his grandmother? Jerrold wondered. Well, they indeed had a strong bond with his grandmother.

“Could you assist me in picking out an outfit?" Gerard inquired, turning to Lilah.

A variety of spare clothes were at their disposal, and after some contemplation, Lilah opted for a similar striking red suit that caught her eye.

Once attired in the red suit, Gerard fetched a shawl and, with a grave countenance, placed it gently over Lilah's shoulders. “The hall's quite chilly with the air conditioning. Make sure you don't catch a cold," he cautioned.

His thoughtfulness warmed Lilah's heart. "Got it. But isn't Jerrold joining us downstairs?"

“Too crowded down there," Gerard explained simply.

Understanding dawned on Lilah. After a little more time spent in Jerrold's company, she descended the stairs with Gerard.

All eyes from the ladies downstairs were glued to the staircase. When they caught sight of the dashing Gerard, their faces lit up with admiration. However, their smiles soured when Lilah emerged behind him.

Hadn't there been talk of Lilah facing some sort of discipline?

Yet, here she was, entirely unscathed.

The only difference was, she was now draped in a shawl.

Whispers began circulating among them. “Think she's covering up some bruises under that shawl?"

"Seems Likely."

Their words were sharp, and though they spoke them freely, envy was the real serpent in their hearts. This scene played out nothing like they had wished.

Maggie's expression darkened, her grip on her wine glass tightening perilously. So, Gerard had shown Lilah only kindness! The foolishness of these high-society folks baffled her. It looked like she'd have to intervene directly.

Business associates soon waylaid Gerard, and Lilah was left to relax on a sofa with her steak.

Then, a figure approached.