What was Ruby on about?

Lilah was at a loss for words.

She had never imagined that Ruby concealed such a cunning and devious side to her character.

Gerard's profound, enigmatic eyes fixed upon Lilah's visage. He remained as unyielding and aloof as ever.

Lilah's lip bore the impression of her teeth as she questioned whether Gerard truly believed she harbored intentions of taking Jerrold away.

"I do not have the slightest inclination to meddle in your family affairs or come between you," Lilah affirmed resolutely.

A glint of relief danced in Ruby's eyes. She was poised to respond when Gerard's voice, frigid, uncompromising, and commanding, interrupted, “To which family are you referring?"

“The three of you, naturally," Lilah replied nonchalantly, feigning indifference.

"Iam not acquainted with her!" Gerard stated with the utmost detachment.

Ruby's countenance blanched upon hearing them.

Lilah was mildly taken aback but could not wholly accept his assertion. "Mr. Harris, regardless of the circumstances, Ruby remains Jerrold's mother. There is no need for such coldness."

She had no intention of playing matchmaker, yet she couldn't help but feel sympathy for Jerrold, who lacked a maternal figure.

Furthermore, considering their shared parenthood, there must have been some history between them. Gerard's extreme aloofness was perplexing.

Gerard fixed his gaze upon Ruby, his eyes exuding a chilling intensity, and demanded, “Ruby, explain this."

"I... Gerard, it was all my fault in the past," Ruby began.

Gerard interjected sharply, “Enough of the pretenses. Enlighten Lilah on the circumstances surrounding Jerrold's birth."

Lilah's brow furrowed as an unsettling aura surrounded the situation.

Ruby's nails etched crescents into her palms. She couldn't believe that Gerard, in Lilah's presence, exhibited no trace of mercy.

“I understand that you may harbor animosity toward me now but Jerrold is the enduring testament of our love, an unalterable bond," Ruby murmured as her gaze locked with Gerard's, her eyes brimming with a poignant blend of sorrow and unwavering resolve.

However, Gerard's gaze held nothing but abhorrence as he uttered, “What reason have you given me to feel any affection for you?"

The words were lacerating and Ruby's eyes widened with apprehension as she responded, "That's not what you said before!"

"Ruby, you orchestrated a deception and I chose to overlook it. But now you return, harboring thoughts of matrimony?" Gerard's voice dripped with disdain. “You probably assume I am oblivious to your dirty secrets, do you not?"

"It appears I have been excessively lenient with you," Gerard interjected, his sneer cutting through the air.

With that, he seized Lilah's hand and led her away.