Barth grinned and said, “I think you might be able to."

Effie jumped up in excitement and said, "Really? That's fantastic. Thanks a lot, Barth!"

Lilah chuckled and said, "Barth, you'll need to keep an eye on her. She's quite the troublemaker."

“How can I possibly trouble Barth?" Glancing at Jeffery, Effie remarked, "Jeffery, you're also a bigwig in the Fearless League. I'll be counting on your guidance from now on!"

Jeffery, momentarily taken aback, shot an unreadable look toward Lilah.

Lilah was engrossed in savoring her sour and sweet drink, oblivious to the dynamics unfolding beside her.

Effie laughed at Jeffery's reaction. She found his lack of sharpness quite dull, not at all like Walter.

The thought of Walter caused Effie's smile to disappear.

They hadn't seen each other in ages. He should have been back by now.

Biting her lip, Effie cursed him inwardly. That scoundrel. He didn't even bother to send messages, and she refused to always be the one taking the initiative.

Meanwhile, Jeffery had moved to sit next to Lilah, tentatively trying to clink glasses with her.

“Lilah, our branch is about to be officially established. Will you join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony?" he asked cautiously.

Lilah was taken aback by the invitation. She hadn't anticipated this discussion. Preferring to support their endeavors from behind the scenes, she responded, "I guess I won't. You and Barth are more than capable of handling the branch matters. Just let me know if there's anything else you need help with."

Proactively, Lilah lifted her glass and gently tapped it against Jeffery's, her eyes twinkling with a faint smile.

Jeffery quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact. He lowered his gaze to his own glass and took a tentative sip, his senses tingling as the wine seemed to taste inexplicably different.

Lilah, having had a bit too much to drink, scanned the room and noticed that everyone appeared a bit blurry.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the haze, when suddenly she spotted another figure at the door—it was none other than Gerard.

Why was he here? And he was dressed sharply in a handsome black suit.

Feeling the effects of the alcohol, Lilah nudged Effie and pointed toward the door. "Effie, I think I'm hallucinating. I just saw your brother."

Effie, who had also had her fair share, burped quietly, looked over, and suddenly jumped up.

"Gerard, why are you here?" Effie exclaimed, a tinge of nervousness coloring her voice. She knew her brother had always been strict about her not drinking, especially with Lilah.

Lilah, stunned, realized Gerard's presence was no hallucination.

"Come out," Gerard demanded abruptly, inhaling deeply. His expression was dark and foreboding, mirroring the oppressive sky outside.

A shiver ran down Lilah's spine, almost jolting her back to sobriety.