He couldn't stomach the thought of being ousted from the enterprise he'd dedicated years to building.

And to add insult to injury, his replacement was a woman in her twenties.

His insinuation made a few shuffle awkwardly, while others couldn't help wondering. Did Lilah indeed have connections at the top, easing her path to CEO?

Silently, Lilah extended a document to Joseph.

His cockiness vanished as he scanned the paper, his face shifting to sheer shock. "This isn't possible. How did you uncover this?"

"Joseph, throughout your tenure here, you've repeatedly accepted kickbacks, abusing your authority for your own benefit. Did you really believe the higher-ups wouldn't catch on? They were trying to spare you the embarrassment, but I never anticipated you'd push the boundaries even further! Your actions are no longer tolerable. You're going to have to pay back every penny of those kickbacks, or we'll meet in court!" Lilah declared.

Joseph felt his knees buckle, almost dropping to the floor. He had to lean against the wall for support.

The kickbacks he'd received each year ran into the millions, accumulating to a staggering sum over time.

But he had blown through all that cash; not a dime was left!

Failing to repay meant he was in hot water, potentially even facing prison.

“I... I get it. I'll pay back the money," Joseph managed to say, his earlier haughtiness now replaced by sheer panic.

"Make sure you've packed up and left by day's end. I don't want to catch sight of you here tomorrow," Lilah instructed before turning on her heel and departing, leaving a roomful of onlookers awash with newfound reverence for her.

Lilah was something else! How could someone be that impressive?

Sympathy for Joseph and Nevaeh was non-existent.

Word traveled fast in their tight-knit industry. Following the fallout, no company within their field would touch them with a ten-foot pole. Nevaeh found herself with no other option but to turn to the service sector for employment.

Worn out from the day's events, Lilah made her way home.

Stepping out from the elevator, she was struck by an unsettling feeling.

Her gaze traveled down the Lengthy hallway, coming to rest on Jerrold who stood there, an image of solitude.

Her heart did a little flip, and she hastened toward him.

“Honey, why are you here?"

She squatted down to his level. Jerrold's large eyes brimmed with tears he bravely tried to keep at bay. He didn't let out a cry, but his tiny nose reddened, painting a forlorn picture. An invisible force seemed to clench Lilah's heart. She pulled Jerrold into an embrace and probed, "What's the matter, darling? Did someone pick on you?"

Jerrold attempted to articulate his feelings, but they were drowned in a sea of upset. “I miss you so much."

Lilah was taken aback.

Then she noticed Jerrold delicately pull a tiny red flower from his pocket. He presented it to her and pleaded, “I've been really good with my studies. Lilah, please don't forget about me, okay?"