Lilah felt deeply concerned.

Were the three elderly men and Barth truly this divided?

Did they really distrust him to such an extent?

"Don't worry, I'm here," Gerard comforted her, draping an arm around her shoulders.

"And Mommy, I'll always be by your side too," Jerrold chimed in.

Jerrold darted into Lilah's embrace, his face lighting up like the sun breaking through clouds.

"Jerrold, make sure to stay with the three elders when you're out, alright? Don't go out alone." Lilah crouched down, her fingers dancing lightly across her son's cherubic cheeks.

Jerrold bobbed his head, a bittersweet smile playing on his Lips.

Despite his tender years, a shadow of concern already darkened his eyes.

The three elderly men had returned and were expected to call a full meeting. Yet, they hadn't breathed a word about it, and Barth seemed equally disinterested in orchestrating one, so the matter had been left simmering on the back burner for a couple of days.

As the clock struck eight that evening, Barth materialized in Lilah's quarters Like a phantom.

Jerrold's keen eyes spotted him, and he hollered into the house, “Barth's here!"

Devonte sprinted out, protectively positioning himself in front of Jerrold.

Witnessing this, Barth forced a smile as bitter as wormwood. "Am I that much of a concern to you now?"

"Of course we have to be cautious," Devonte scoffed, clutching Jerrold tightly. "Even a hand-raised lamb can turn into a wolf. Who knows what could happen?"

Barth barred their path as they attempted to retreat indoors.

“Sir, I really don't understand what I did wrong. Can you please explain it to me?" Barth sank to his knees, his head bowed low, his voice heavy with the weight of his distress.

"I've been with you longer than Lilah; I've trained harder and I know all your moves and techniques. Isn't it clear I should be the successor? You say I'm too ambitious, but I just want to make the Fearless League stronger and more influential. Don't you want to see your life's work succeed?"

Overwhelmed by emotion, Barth crumpled to the ground, his shoulders quivering like leaves in a breeze.

Lilah, accompanied by the other two elderly men and Gerard, stepped out just in time to witness this poignant scene.

Truth be told, she felt sorry for Barth and was confused about the three elderly men's thoughts.

She didn't know what to do.

“If you really want to find out, then let me ask you a question."

Devonte's voice cut through the air like a cold wind. "Why didn't you just challenge Lilah to a fair fight for the league Leader position, instead of secretly getting your allies into deputy leader spots to secure their support?" Devonte's lips curled into a sneer.