When Lilah saw the adorable emoji that popped up, she tapped out of the notification, then back in again, confirming it was indeed Gerard's profile picture.

She couldn't help but put down her breakfast, visibly surprised.

Walking behind her, Jerrold noticed his sister's odd behavior.

Lowering his gaze slightly, he caught sight of Gerard's profile picture on her phone.

Thus, the first person Gerard encountered while waiting outside wasn't Lilah-it was her brother, Jerrold.

"Jerrold,"

Gerard greeted first.

Jerrold didn't just nod and walk away like usual— this time, his sharp gaze fixed on Gerard.

Jerrold had noticed Lilah's unusual behavior over the past few days and had kept it in mind.

Though Lilah's mother had privately told him not to interfere, Jerrold wasn't one to act impulsively without meeting Gerard first. Now that he had, he felt it necessary to assert his stance.

Jerrold, who had always treated his sister like a precious gem, harbored little fondness for Gerard.

As a fellow man, he could easily see through Gerard's feelings for Lilah.

Though he had promised not to meddle, issuing a warning or two surely wouldn't hurt.

He stated firmly, "I don't care what's going on between the two of you, but Lilah is still young. Gerard, whom she's always called her brother for years—you should understand what being a brother means. Don't let yourself have feelings you shouldn't -she's called you her brother for years."

Meng Chenzhou had grown up now; he was no longer the little boy who had to look up to Jerrold.

He looked at Jerrold on equal terms, offering a faint smile.

"As for protecting Tangtang, there's no need for Jerrold to say more. I know how to handle it."

Meng Chenzhou was speaking his mind and wasn't paying attention to Jerrold's cautions.

Jerrold squinted, ready to teach this reckless young man a lesson, when Zhan Yuxi emerged from the house, carrying her backpack.

"Brother, why haven't you gone to the company yet?"

With his sister present, Jerrold couldn't do anything to Meng Chenzhou. He didn't answer Zhan Yuxi's question but instead reminded her, "Don't let anyone give you a hard time at school. If anything happens, tell me. I won't let anyone bully you, understand?"

Zhan Yuxi smiled, "Got it, thanks, brother! You should head to the company now!"

"Chenzhou, it's getting late. We should go too."

Meng Chenzhou opened the car door, making sure Zhan Yuxi didn't bump her head as she got in, then went around to the other side.