Something happen?

Hardly.

She just... She likely fell for someone else.

A raw ache throbbed in Gerard's chest. He had naively believed she'd invited him for dinner to confess her love, but her aim was to shake him off before moving on to another man. That woman knew how to cut deep.

But he couldn't blame her, could he?

Gerard, masking his pain, hoisted Jerrold into his arms and shepherded him back inside. “Let's eat," he murmured.

That breakfast was a quiet one without Lilah. The apartment, usually full of life, felt Like it was missing a vital piece.

On her end, Lilah arrived at the company with a void in her stomach, hoping work would be a sufficient distraction.

The company was bracing for new challenges. During the morning meeting, Joseph, ever the strategist, announced, "It's autumn soon, a prime season for companies launching new collections. We can't afford to lag. Miss Phillips, I'm placing this responsibility on your shoulders. Coordinate with the design team for this quarter's new line. We have to outshine the competition. Understood?"

"I understand." Lilah nodded gravely.

This project was critical. The reception to this quarter's designs would directly influence the company's performance in the coming months. Post-meeting, she engaged with the designers individually, brainstorming and discussing preliminary sketches.

Her dedication to the task meant she skipped meals, and by late afternoon, her stomach protested loudly.

"Miss Phillips, you haven't eaten anything yet?" Phoebe asked, concern knitting her brows.

Caught up in her tasks, Lilah brushed it off. "I had a lot to handle.

I'll eat something after work."

Phoebe insisted, “No way, you need to eat now. My sister ignored her hunger too often and ended up with chronic stomach issues. It's not something you want. Let me grab some food for you."

Returning swiftly, Phoebe presented Lilah with a noodle dish. "Miss Phillips, please promise me you'll look after yourself better. Eating regularly is crucial," she chatted as Lilah ate.

"You sound more like my mom than my colleague," Lilah joked weakly, forcing a smile.

"I'm concerned about you, you know. You're more than just a superior to me; you're a mentor. If anything were to happen to you, I'd be lost," Phoebe said with a light chuckle, and then leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Now, while you're eating, can I interest you in a little piece of gossip? You're aware of Gerard Harris, the business tycoon, aren't you? The man's never been the subject of romantic affairs, always keeping his slate clean.

But guess what? Today, the paparazzi snapped him entering and exiting a hotel with a mystery woman!"

Lilah's heart skipped a beat.

Noticing Lilah's startled expression, Phoebe figured she was intrigued, banking on the universal appeal of juicy tidbits.

"That woman he's with? It's the celebrated actress Ruby!" Phoebe's hands flew to her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ruby is on my list of top stars. Imagine her with Gerard! It's a plot twist I didn't see coming, but the more I think about it, the more it seems Ruby is a match for him. She's not just any actress; she's in the running for the Best Actress award this year. And get this: if she clinches that title, she's going to be the youngest ever in Eleywood!"

As Lilah nodded mechanically, resuming her meal, bitterness swirled in her heart.