As Jerrold laughed and begged for mercy, Gerard returned home. With a joyful squeal, Jerrold quickly leapt into his father's arms.

"Because Mommy loves Daddy the most. Of course, I can't compare to Daddy," Jerrold declared seriously, his tone imitating that of a little adult.

With one hand poised on her waist, Lilah adopted a mock stern expression and declared, "Come here, you little ungrateful boy. Come here."

Jerrold, squealing with delight, started to run but was soon scooped up by Lilah, who tickled him relentlessly.

Their laughter echoed through the spacious villa, filling it with warmth and joy.

"The branch office will be established tomorrow. You should come too," Lilah mentioned casually to Gerard before they headed to bed.

Gerard raised an eyebrow and smiled, leaning back with his hands propped against the headboard. "Why did you suddenly think of me? You've been so busy lately; you must've forgotten about me, right?"

Gerard was usually a man carved from stone, always so composed, so seeing him wear such a teasing expression caught Lilah off guard.

"Of course not," Lilah quipped, wrapping her arms around his sturdy frame. His back felt like a wall of granite beneath her touch, sending her mind wandering down unexpected paths.

"Would you accompany me? It'd mean the world to Barth and lend him a hand," she said, her voice soft and hopeful, punctuated with a gentle smile.

Gerard raised an eyebrow, pointing silently to his cheek, a quiet demand veiled behind the curve of his lips.

Lilah chuckled, understanding instantly. She leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

"That's more like it." Gerard grinned, his usual sternness softened by the moment.

With a swift, fluid motion, he pulled her into his embrace, spinning her around effortlessly, and laid her gently on the bed. His eyes lingered on her, tender but intent, as if she were the only thing in the room that mattered.

Lilah's face flushed pink as her eyes darted away, unable to hold his intense gaze for long. But before she could find her bearings, his lips met hers, a kiss filled with a passion that made her heart race.

The opening of the Fearless League's new branch in Eleywood was already setting the city's martial arts circles ablaze. But when whispers spread that Gerard himself would grace the event, the news struck like a lightning bolt through the heart of Eleywood's business elite.

At the branch's grand entrance, a throng of guests mingled, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

Barth and Jeffery stood front and center, playing the perfect hosts as they greeted visitors with practiced charm.

For Lilah, the day was simpler. She had one key responsibility: security. Her job was to keep the peace and ensure no one stirred up trouble inside.

Meanwhile, outside, in a crimson SUV parked discreetly nearby, Karol's bloodshot eyes were fixed on the crowds moving in and out of the building. Her fists clenched in quiet fury.

If fate had been kinder, she might have been among those honored today, standing proudly as a member of the Fearless League—a prestigious group her own mentor coveted. But fate had dealt her a cruel hand.

Her application had been rejected without a word.

When she dug deeper, she found out why—someone had uncovered her past transgressions, cheating in competitions, and spread the word.

The knowledge gnawed at her, a wound that wouldn't heal.