"Worry not, I have a plan," Lilah reassured her.

As the evening twilight bathed the city in a golden glow, Lilah's side profile seemed to emit a subtle aura, evoking a sense of reassurance in her assistant.

Indeed, Lilah appeared more than capable of handling anything.

Lilah ingeniously managed to contact the First Mall's manager and set up a dinner appointment for that very evening.

The manager, known for his heavy drinking, left Lilah with no choice but to accompany him. It had been a while since Lilah had indulged in so much alcohol. She observed the manager's satisfaction growing with each sip. Lilah began to relax a bit, not foreseeing the next turn of events as the manager's hefty hand made an unwanted Landing on hers.

“Miss Phillips, you are undoubtedly the most beautiful and powerful female CEO I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I hold you in high regard," complimented Roger Thomas, a fifty-year-old man, with a lascivious smile that left little to the imagination.

Lilah swiftly withdrew her hand and replied, “Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Thomas."

Roger, dissatisfied with Lilah's response, believed he needed to be more explicit about his intentions. He cleared his throat and stated, "Miss Phillips, the First Mall's concessions are always in demand.

I've received inquiries from many people before you, but I highly value you."

"I assure you, letting Aurora Jewelers sell at the First Mall will not be a decision you regret."

“Indeed, I have faith you won't disappoint me," Roger added, grinning, as he inched closer to Lilah. His stubby hand reached out, attempting to encircle her shoulder. A change flickered across Lilah's face, but before she could react, Roger tumbled to the floor with an exclamation.

"ARI"

Roger felt as though his internal organs were about to spill out; anger coursed through him. As he looked up, he encountered a young and handsome face, cold and indifferent, belonging to a man appearing to be in his early thirties.

“You dare strike me, brat?" Roger roared.

Gerard, on the other hand, didn't even spare him a glance. His focus remained on Lilah, tinged with a hint of concern. “Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Lilah replied, though she felt rather shocked. How had Gerard ended up here? Having him witness this situation made her feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Are you acquainted?" Roger struggled to his feet, his brow furrowed as he gazed at Lilah and then shifted his focus to Gerard. "What's this? Is this young man your toy boy?"

It wasn't surprising that he misunderstood; Gerard possessed striking good looks.

Lilah found herself momentarily speechless. Roger noticed the icy aura surrounding Gerard and his anger intensified. A cocky young upstart dared to show off in his presence, but Roger also knew he couldn't take on a fit young man.

Still, he couldn't let the recent humiliation he just suffered slide.

"Miss Phillips, your toy boy is brimming with arrogance! He resorts to violence without a second thought. Does he even know who I am?"

Roger sneered. "At his young age, he requires a lesson. Here's what we can do: Have this young man kneel and lick my shoes clean, and I might consider allowing Aurora Jewelers into our mall!"

He awaited Gerard's approach, expecting him to come and perform the degrading act.

Evidently, he'd put others through this humiliating task on many occasions.