Just then, Gerard entered. His deep, searching eyes scanned the room, suspicion flickering across his face.

“Why is this jerk again? Shouldn't we just be done with him? Remember how badly he treated Hadley. If anyone deserves punishment, it's him." Devonte squeezed into the room next. His face darkened at the sight of Darian.

“Lilah, why must you interfere in my affairs? Because of you, I lost Shelia. What's wrong with me seeking someone else like her?" Through clenched teeth, Darian spat out each word. “Or perhaps, you might consider being with me? Despite your relationship with another man, you remind me of her and I could accept you as my lover... Ah!"

Before Darian could finish his words, Gerard fired at his calf.

Darian screamed in agony and crumpled to the floor, wracked with pain.

“Miss Hanson, did he harm you?" Lilah stepped forward, removed her coat and draped it over Miranda. She then tenderly helped Miranda to stand.

Miranda turned a shade paler. "Miss Phillips, did you lure him here?"

Lilah's heart skipped a beat, leaving her momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by a wave of guilt.

"I hope you can take him away so that he-and all of you-can stop disrupting my life. I just want to be a doctor, quietly." Miranda's voice remained calm and gentle, yet her words carried a palpable weight of grievance.

Observing the guilty expression on Lilah's face, Miranda felt a brief surge of sympathy, though it quickly vanished.

Soon after, Lilah departed.

Standing up, Miranda walked over to the window, her eyes lingering on the retreating figures. She watched them intently, her gaze particularly fixed on Lilah.

"Dr. Hanson, why did you do that? Why did you make me and Darian act alongside you, to deceive Lilah?" Benita inquired, her tone laced with suspicion.

Miranda looked away, her expression empty. After a long pause, she sighed and said, "I just hope I haven't caused her any more problems."

As Lilah walked away, she was consumed by a complex mix of emotions.

Never had she felt such intense disdain for anyone as she did now for Darian.

“Gerard, have someone take him back. Make sure he stops causing trouble outside," she said slowly.

Visions of Miranda's face haunted her thoughts. Each time she pictured Miranda, a sharp pang of distress throbbed through her.

Pulling out her phone, Lilah composed a few Lines of an apology, but ultimately, she couldn't bring herself to send them.

Miranda's once peaceful existence had been disrupted by her actions, and she vowed not to cause her any further distress.

Thus, she decided to drop this issue for now. There would be ample time to delve into it after resolving Cyrus' matter and after her return from Luna Island.

The trio boarded the earliest flight on the following morning back to Eleywood. Prior to their departure, Gerard had arranged for Miranda's protection, instructing the guards to remain inconspicuous.

Upon her return, Lilah first made sure Hadley and Jerrold were well, and then treated them to an array of delightful meals. She also requested Gerard to enhance their security.

Their absence was expected to last over a month.