The three men nodded simultaneously, their expressions turning serious.
"No," Lilah refused firmly.
"Firstly, I don't believe you're ready to retire at your age. Just last night, Cyrus ate four plates of pasta, two cakes, drank two cups of black tea, and had a lollipop. He can easily handle running the league for another decade. Secondly, I have other commitments right now. And those in the league weren't exactly thrilled when you trained me to be your successor. It won't be easy to convince them. Thirdly, traveling the world is risky. If something happens to you, the consequences could be dire."
Her reasons were logical and weighty.
The elders were perplexed.
“We haven't seen you in over a year, and now you dare to defy us?"
Devonte's face flushed with anger as he glared at Lilah.
As a result, the shopping trip hit a snag.
The elderly men returned to the villa, going as far as locking Lilah out in their rage.
With no choice, Lilah drove to Gerard's office to pick him up.
She brought along a box of cakes and a bouquet of red roses.
She recalled how he used to surprise her with little gifts every day back when he was courting her.
She figured men deserved surprises once in a while too.
She waited downstairs for a while.
Gerard emerged from the elevator with a group of senior executives, seemingly engrossed in serious discussion.
Lilah cleared her throat, approached with the roses, and hid her face behind them.
“Hello, Mr. Harris. I'm a big admirer of yours. I brought you these flowers. Please accept them!" Lilah intentionally altered her voice.
No one would recognize her voice.
Her sudden appearance startled everyone.
The executives exchanged bewildered glances. One even signaled to the head of security, questioning how this woman got in.
Everyone was thrown off guard. They knew Gerard had a cherished girlfriend and turned down numerous admirers.
He had even warned that if anyone tried to set him up with women, they'd be fired.
Thus, this woman's presence was their worst nightmare.
While everyone remained stunned, Gerard alone smiled faintly.