With Gerard not budging, her next move was clear: she needed to see Jerrold. There was no way he hadn't missed his mother.

Outside the kindergarten, the scene was lively; kids poured out, laughing and hugging their parents. In contrast, Jerrold was quiet, patiently awaiting his ride.

A vibrant pink Maserati stopped smoothly by the sidewalk, and from it emerged a woman draped in elegance. She naturally drew several intrigued eyes.

Ruby quickly approached Jerrold, bending down to his level. He gave her a quizzical look, clearly not recognizing her.

“Jerrold,” she whispered, voice trembling, “look how tall you've become.

She tried to embrace him, but he edged away. Her face was foreign to him.

"Jerrold, it's me, your mom," Ruby tried to explain, her voice softening with emotion. "I'm so sorry it took me this long to come back. I had my reasons. But I promise, I'm here to stay."

She reached out, hoping to hold his hand. But Jerrold was guarded; he retreated a step further. No hint of happiness was evident on his youthful face.

The Harris family's fortune had drawn many outsiders over the years.

Jerrold had met his fair share of unfamiliar women trying to connect with him. He'd always been guided by his father's words: Stay wary, and don't engage.

With that in mind, he pivoted, ready to depart.

Desperation welled up in Ruby; she hadn't anticipated Jerrold's aloofness. Aware that the Harris family chauffeur would arrive any minute, she acted impulsively, scooping up Jerrold and placing him in her car.

Caught off guard by her sudden move, Jerrold was momentarily stunned.

Before he could utter a word of protest, he was in the vehicle.

Overwhelmed, he lashed out, biting Ruby's arm.

"Ouch!" Though the bite stung, Ruby held her composure. “Honey, please understand. I truly am your mother. Look at this." She presented him with a paper. "It's a paternity test, evidence that you and I are connected."

Even at five, Jerrold's comprehension was beyond his years. He eyed the document, a wave of shock passing over him.

Noticing his surprised gaze, Ruby felt a touch of vindication. She then showed him a photo, featuring herself with Gerard. “Look, here's a picture of Mommy and Daddy. Are you still skeptical?"

Jerrold didn't utter a word.

"I understand your hurt, darling. Me being absent all this while must sting. Back in the day, I was just another girl with humble roots.

The Harris family wouldn't have accepted me. So, for you, I took a leap into the entertainment world. Today, I've gathered enough resources to stand by your side. Can you give your mom another chance?"

Ruby spoke gently, but Jerrold's eyes were downcast, veiling his inner thoughts.

She decided a change in scenery might help. So, they went to a posh restaurant, where she earnestly tried to make him eat. "Have some more, Jerrold. You need your strength to grow."

Yet, Jerrold hardly touched his meal. Then, his eyes landed on a vegetable sandwich on the table, which reminded him of Lilah.