"In a nightclub. Oh wow, look at that guy!" Effie exclaimed, her attention caught by a particularly attractive man.

Gerard, on the other end, was momentarily stunned. He was about to hang up when he heard Effie gushing, “Lilah, check him out! He's just my type!"

His mood darkened instantly. "You brought Lilah to such a place?"

Effie, too immersed in the revelry to detect the frost in Gerard's tone, responded, "We're just unwinding. What's the issue?"

Gerard gritted his teeth, trying to remain calm. "Fine. You did a good job."

Barely registering his annoyance and the sarcasm in his tone, Effie gushed, "I know, right? Such a good-looking fellow—"

But Gerard had already disconnected.

The private room's energy remained electric. Lilah finally understood the hedonistic pleasures of the wealthy.

As she observed Effie, surrounded by two dashing men, Lilah wondered if she could ever be that bold.

A young man with captivating eyes approached Lilah. “Why are you drinking solo?"

He bore a faint resemblance to someone she knew-Jerrold, perhaps.

Raising his glass, he said, "Allow me to join you."

Before Lilah could respond, her drink was swiped from her grasp.

Another figure took a seat beside her, downing her drink in one go.

A bit inebriated, Lilah slurred, "What are you doing?"

"Overindulging isn't wise," came the deep voice of Gerard. His penetrating gaze seemed to pierce her soul.

Giggling in her inebriated state, Lilah teased, “Look at Mr. Responsible here.”

Feeling sidelined, the young man interjected, “She's here to relax.

Don't ruin her fun."

Offering his glass, he added, "Here, have mine instead."

But before Lilah could accept, Gerard's firm grip enclosed her waist.

The embrace, while possessive, exuded a comforting warmth.

Gazing at the young man, Gerard exuded an aura of nobility and majesty that immediately quelled the man's voice. He stood in silence, his spirit defeated.

“Who are you?"