"The most pressing issue is the matriarch. We can't keep this from her for long, " Lilah murmured, glancing at the fiery sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows, feeling unusually lost.

As if on cue, the matriarch called, inquiring about Gerard's whereabouts and why he hadn't appeared.

"Perhaps we should try Mr. Melvin's suggestion?" Miranda tentatively offered.

Lilah's mind was a tangled mess of thoughts, and she felt on the brink of a breakdown.

"Miss Lilah, it's crucial to reassure the shareholders and the matriarch to prevent a bigger crisis, " Calvin pleaded, almost begging." If Mr. Harris later has any objections, I'll take full responsibility."

Lilah paused, finally making up her mind.

In the face of such significant issues, her personal feelings seemed trivial.

"Aunt Joselyn, could you please help mediate with Lillie?"

Lilah asked.

Joselyn's face was particularly grim. She hesitated, wanting to persuade, but knew that the best course was to have Lillie step in for now.

"I'll try to talk to her, " Joselyn said, heading to the guest room.

Unexpectedly, they found Lillie unconscious in the room.

Joselyn's cry of alarm drew everyone in, and Miranda assisted with treatment. It took several hours to revive the stubborn girl.

The room was left with just the mother and daughter.

Joselyn wiped her tears, feeling a deep ache in her heart.

She hated seeing her daughter suffer, but it was her own actions that had driven Lillie to this state.

"Lillie, how are you feeling? Do you want something to eat? I made rose-flavored pastries for you," Joselyn's voice trembled slightly, but she held back her tears in front of her child.

Lillie stared at her blankly, as if unable to believe her eyes, but soon turned away, refusing to engage.

Joselyn's heart wrenched with agony. She turned to wipe her tears, then spoke cautiously, suppressing her heartache.

"Lillie, it was my misunderstanding. I'm sorry. How about we go out for a little trip once this is over? Just the two of us, okay?"

Lillie perked up at the suggestion, her sadness easing, though she wasn't ready to forgive Joselyn easily.

"You're not just my mom. Why bother comforting me?" she said, turning her back. Tears fell as she spoke.

Joselyn's guilt towards Lillie deepened, leaving her speechless.

She bowed her head in silent sorrow.