He sat by Lilah's bedside, gently dabbing her Lips with a wet cotton swab to prevent them from drying.

Leaning down, he softly kissed her, longing for her to wake up.

“Lilah, why haven't you awakened? I'm right here, waiting for you,"

Gerard whispered softly, gazing at her still form. His words hung in the air, met only by silence.

The shrill ring of his phone broke the moment. It was Brenda.

With a sigh, Gerard stepped into the corridor to answer.

“How's the investigation? Have you found out who's behind this Brenda's voice trembled with urgency.

“We've identified the culprit, but she's Likely just a pawn," Gerard replied, pausing for a moment before adding, a menacing glint in his eyes, "The real mastermind is Ruby."

The name hit Brenda like a sledgehammer.

"Ruby!" she gasped.

She had always been wary of Ruby, sensing a hidden agenda, but to imagine her capable of orchestrating such harm was beyond belief.

“She won't get away with this." Brenda's voice cracked with anger.

“She must pay for what she's done.”

“Calm down, Mom," Gerard responded, his voice low, filled with a cold rage. "I'll ensure she faces justice. Leave it to me."

Overwhelmed, Brenda muttered about needing medication.

As she ended the call and reached for a pill, she noticed Jerrold nearby, seemingly lost in thought.

She called him over, wondering if he had overheard their conversation.

“How was kindergarten today?" she asked gently, trying to gauge his reaction.

"It was okay," Jerrold replied, his voice a soft murmur.

Brenda sighed with relief, grateful that Jerrold seemed unaware of the revelations about Ruby.

After all, the woman was now technically his mother.

In the dimly lit room, Lilah remained unresponsive, deep in her unconscious state.

The days blended into one another, and before Gerard realized it, a week had slipped by. He had barely left Lilah's side.

When Calvin walked in to hand Gerard some paperwork, the weary Lines on Gerard's face were impossible to ignore. Calvin hesitated, concern evident in his voice. "Mr. Harris, have you considered taking a break?