This announcement resonated from the kitchen from which Gerard emerged, clad in an apron.

Gerard's hair was slicked back, and his strikingly well-defined, handsome countenance couldn't be overlooked. Beneath his apron, he sported a white shirt and black suit pants, suggesting he had freshly returned from work to prepare the evening meal.

His initial expression bore a hint of severity but, upon catching sight of Lilah, a glimmer of surprise flitted across his eyes.

Swiftly, he adopted a more tender tone, remarking, "You're here. Go wash your hands; dinner awaits."

"Of course," Lilah replied, her voice instinctively softening.

The quartet settled at the dining table and Gerard gallantly served Lilah a portion. Brenda couldn't contain her mirth as she remarked, "This young man never serves me a morsel but with you, he's as attentive as can be."

Gerard sighed. “Mom, what are you saying?"

“Aren't I merely stating the facts? Remember that time you went on a cooking spree at home? Don't think I've forgotten. The first dish you prepared, not even the dog dared to nibble at it!"

Brenda held nothing back, exposing his most mortifying culinary blunders.

Lilah couldn't stifle her laughter when she witnessed Gerard's embarrassment.

As Gerard cast a glance in Lilah's direction, she obediently lowered her head, focusing on her meal.

Following the meal, while Gerard undertook the task of washing the dishes, Brenda stealthily slipped into the kitchen.

"Hom?"

“I have something to ask you." Brenda wore a grave expression. “Are you absolutely certain that Jerrold's birth mother is Ruby?"

“You saw the results of the paternity test, didn't you?"

Gerard's tone was icy.

“But, I can't help but notice that Jerrold bears no resemblance to that woman and his close bond with Lilah is undeniable. Ruby is a shrewd individual, so if Jerrold is truly her child, why did it take her so many years to resurface?"

Gerard, too, in truth, had been beginning to harbor doubts.

Brenda maintained her solemn demeanor. "I believe there's something suspicious about all of this."

"I will have someone reinvestigate the matter."

Brenda returned to the living room, where Lilah and Jerrold were engrossed in a television program.

She joined them for a brief moment, and then, with a tinge of gravity, remarked, “Lilah, the past is in the past. What truly matters is the future."

Lilah comprehended the subtext of her words.

“Enjoy yourselves; I'm not as youthful as you two. I should return home and get some rest," Brenda declared.