Standing beside his Rolls-Royce for an extended moment, Gerard seethed with frustration.

After a moment of contemplation, Gerard finally settled into his car and instructed Calvin with a chilling edge to his voice, “Contact Ruby's agent. Arrange for her to go abroad for a shoot. Ideally, she shouldn't return anytime soon."

"Understood, sir."

Lilah chose not to head back to the company but instead ventured to Aurora Jewelers’ retail outlet located in First Mall. Just as Steven had described, agitated individuals were causing a ruckus outside the store.

The store employees bore the brunt of their fury. One of the troublemakers threw a plastic bottle at an employee. As the employee braced for impact, a poised, elegant figure shielded her.

The sudden appearance of this woman caught the mob off guard.

“It's Lilah!"

“Has she no shame showing her face here?"

“She must've been the mastermind behind that sabotage!"

Her presence seemed to inflame their anger further, but Lilah, with a gesture to the surveillance cameras, declared, "Feel free to vandalize if you wish. Just know you'll be compensating not just for the damages but also for any harm done to me and my attire."

The high-end brands adorning her gave many a moment's pause. Their intention was merely to vent frustration, not incur debts.

“Lilah, you've already won. Why persist against Xavier Jewelers? This kind of aggression- aiming to monopolize the entire jewelry sector?" a voice from the crowd challenged.

Lilah's piercing gaze swept over the sea of faces. “Perceptions are often molded by those with vested interests. Is what you've seen and heard undeniably true?"

“But the vandal confessed! Do you intend to deny that?" another voice shot back.

Lilah's tone turned frosty. “I promise to uncover the truth and present it to all. Now, I'd advise you to disperse. Gathering like this, causing a disturbance, is against the law. Stick around, and I'll ensure the police get involved."

Her assertiveness seemed to dent the crowd's audacity.

But amidst this tension, a figure hurriedly emerged and tenderly grasped Lilah's sleeve. Evelyn, with her fragile look, was a sight that stirred compassion. "Lilah, we understand we're at fault. We don't want confrontation. Please, spare these people. They're here to support Xavier Jewelers. Let's not escalate things further."

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

“Evelyn's here for us?"

"Such grace and kindness."

Several men seemed eager to rally to her side.

Lilah's eyes narrowed, and she regarded Evelyn with a mix of contempt and disbelief. The audacity of this woman!

“Evelyn, for a CEO, your audacity astounds me," Lilah remarked calmly.

Evelyn seemed unfazed by her words, continuing her plea, “Please let them be. There's no need to involve the authorities. They're here out of their genuine concern for me."