“You've made a mess of things!" Evelyn's voice was cold and biting.

Pale and distressed, Ruby realized she was wearing the real deal. Yet everyone treated it like a mere imitation, hurling insults her way.

Could Lilah have set this up?

The fallout was massive for Xavier Jewelers. Beyond the tarnished reputation, their coffers took a big hit. Unsold jewelry piled up, and losses mounted into the millions.

Jewelry that was ready to hit the market sat untouched, and the financial toll was in the millions.

Board members unleashed their disappointment onto Evelyn; even the higher-ups at the main office had their say. "All this mess, and now we're apologizing to Aurora Jewelers. If this happens again, you're out!" they threatened.

Anger surged through Evelyn. Her nails dug into her palms, snapping a few, but she was too consumed by rage to notice.

As the tumult subsided and Xavier Jewelers refrained from causing more trouble, Lilah finally had some peace of mind.

Heading home early one evening, Lilah walked into Starlight Mansion's opulent hallway. To her dismay, she found Jerrold and Ruby, both deep in a discussion, the atmosphere thick with tension.

Had Ruby found out where Gerard lived?

Their bond seemed to be deepening.

Spotting Lilah, Ruby exclaimed, "Lilah? What brings you here?"

Jerrold's eyes, which were shadowed with sadness, brightened at the sight of Lilah. He was about to step forward, but Ruby's hand on his arm stopped him. With a gracious smile, Ruby offered, "We were about to grab dinner. Care to join?"

Lilah thought it wasn't appropriate for her to join their family dinner.

She was about to decline, but Ruby interjected, “Lilah, I saw this post online. The necklace you gifted me, it was L.P's design? Had I known, I'd have treated it like a treasure. I've retrieved it and sent it for mending. Let's have this meal as my way to say sorry, okay?"

Ruby leaned in, her voice barely audible. "To tell you the truth, Lilah, facing my son and his dad rattles me. Would you stay with me for the meal? Consider it a personal favor."

Lilah's fingers tightened into small fists; the intrigue of witnessing the dynamics of their relationship coupled with Ruby's earnest request made it hard to decline. So, with a slight nod, she agreed to join them.

Ruby's face lit up. "Perfect. Let's go to the restaurant now.

Gerard's on his way," she informed with a hint of excitement.

Lilah felt a twinge at Ruby's intimate tone when she mentioned Gerard's name; however, she kept her emotions in check.

Jerrold, bubbling with youthful joy, took Lilah's hand. She responded with a warm smile.

The trio, against all odds, seemed to be finding common ground. Lilah thought.

As the season shifted, streets were strewn with falling leaves, rendering trees almost skeletal.

Given Ruby's line of work, they opted for a secluded dining space in the restaurant. Looking out at the forlorn streets, Lilah felt a weight in her chest.