The sharp, unsettling scent confirmed Lilah's fears. An aphrodisiac was present.

She cursed inwardly, appalled by Stuart's audacity.

"Little wildcat, think you can resist? Here, you have no choice but to be with me," Stuart gloated.

As he leaned in with predatory intent, a sudden loud crash echoed from outside as the door burst open.

Had her father come to her aid after all?

Desperately searching for a familiar face, Lilah's eyes settled on the intruder.

An imposing silhouette stepped into the room, delivering a forceful blow to Stuart, sending him sprawling. Blood trickled from Stuart's injuries as he lay motionless on the floor.

It was Gerard. With each powerful punch, he made Stuart regret his actions, and the air around Gerard felt thick with menace.

"Gerard?" Lilah whispered, her voice a mixture of surprise and relief.

But then, seeing Stuart on the verge of death, she quickly held Gerard to stop him.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" The menace in Gerard's bloodshot eyes was evident.

Lilah tried to calm her racing heart. The peaceful time she had spent with Gerard made her forget that this man was rumored to be a devil who had faced countless dangers on the battlefields and survived.

"He didn't get a chance to," she replied, her voice shaky. "Can we leave?"

Without a word, Gerard scooped her up and they made their way to his car.

Once they were safely in her hotel room, Gerard gently set Lilah in a tub filled with cold water to counteract the effects of the drug.

She shivered, not entirely from the cold.

Gerard frowned. “How about going to see a doctor?"

“No need," she replied quickly, dreading the thought of a hospital visit. This might not be the most conventional method, but it would help for now.

Lost in her thoughts, she looked up to find Gerard's piercing eyes watching over her, etched with worry. Instinctively, she reached out, her fingers brushing his cheek, trying to ease his worries. Meeting his gaze and realizing her bold move, she quickly retracted her hand.

“Um, there might be another solution to this," she murmured, hoping to divert his attention.

Gerard's intense gaze met Lilah's just as a shooting star illuminated the night sky outside, casting a fleeting, ethereal glow on the room.

Lilah cleared her throat, trying to break the heavy silence. "Would it help if you... just made me black out?"

A shadow passed over Gerard's features.

Without acknowledging her suggestion, he shifted his attention away, leaving Lilah feeling somewhat dismissed.