A teasing glint appeared in his eyes. “Ever consider standing beside the one who built it?"

Lilah felt a tug at her heartstrings, thinking it best to leave before her emotions took over. "You know, I've got big designer dreams. Feeling beat though, think I'll head out."

Gerard nodded. "Mind if I join you for the walk?"

Together, they departed.

Inside the bedroom, the young boy pressed himself against the door, trying to be invisible. Wet trails marked his cheeks, heart heavy with realization. Did Lilah distance herself because he was Ruby's son? Was he the problem?

Come morning, Lilah packed up her luggage and went downstairs, intending to hail a taxi to the airport. However, an unmistakable Rolls-Royce stationed itself outside the building. Gerard, cool and composed, leaned against it, stealing more glances than the car itself.

Spotting Lilah, he moved to her, taking her suitcase in stride. “Got everything? Let's roll."

She sighed, "Sure."

At the airport drop-off, Lilah leaned down to Jerrold, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. “You behave while I'm gone, okay?"

His eyes, pools of warmth, made it hard for her to think of leaving.

She brushed his face with her fingers. "I'll treat you to a big meal when I come back, promise."

“Can't wait." Jerrold's voice was honeyed, but his gaze held a touch of melancholy.

She spent a few more moments comforting him. As boarding time approached, she left Gerard's car, reaching for her Luggage.

Phoebe was on her flight.

Up in the air, Phoebe delved into her prep materials.

After a lengthy flight, the plane touched down in Fauwille, the horizon shrouded in night. They headed to the hotel arranged by the event team, but raised eyebrows at seeing just a standard double room.

Phoebe was puzzled. "This is the budget? Back in Hualand, they at least put us up in a swanky suite."

Lilah's brows furrowed. "Hang on, I'll call someone."

Lilah rang up the Hualand Design Association, relaying her room woes.

Their response was fiery. “They're messing with you! Every competitor should have their own space, and they dump you in a standard double?

That's not on. We're calling them out."

Lilah said calmly, “Let me deal with it."

With swift taps on her phone, she snapped photos of the room and aired her grievances on the global designer forum. With the world's eyes on the competition, the pictures didn't go unnoticed.

Soon, the feed was awash with comments.