"Understood. Drive safely."

Lilah was eager to return home to Jerrold. Arriving past nine, she found him still awake, nodding off on the couch-a heartwarming sight.

“Jerrold.”

Lilah approached and embraced him, laughing softly. “Have you been waiting for me, sweetheart?"

“Yes. Mommy, you're back at last."

Joy sparkled in Jerrold's sleepy eyes as Lilah stroked his head.

“You're tired, Jerrold. Why don't you go to bed, and I'll tuck you in."

He nodded and trailed after her obediently.

Returning to the living room, Lilah noticed Gerard on the couch.

“Jerrold's asleep now. You should rest too. Good night."

After a brief pause, he asked, “Are you heading back to your apartment?"

"Yes." The longing in his eyes made Lilah's heart flutter. She took a seat beside him, looking up.

Feeling the fleeting warmth on his cheek, Gerard snapped back to reality. Gazing down at her inviting face, he gently cradled the back of her head.

In the next instant, his commanding yet tender kiss left her breathless, his embrace exuding a heat that threatened to engulf her.

Yet as she became acutely aware of his desire, she flushed deep red, like a cooked shrimp, and gently pushed Gerard away, stammering, “I-

I must go. I still have documents to review for work."

“Of course. I'll walk you to the door." Gerard seemed to overlook her flustered state. After bidding her farewell, he retreated to the bathroom for a cold shower.

Lilah's charm was irresistible-he'd nearly lost his composure. He pondered if he might have overwhelmed her.

Lilah did feel a flicker of fear but it vanished as quickly as it had come.

She wasn't being untruthful; her desk was indeed strewn with files.

The Phillips Group was in a rough state, riddled with employee and project issues. She had to digest every detail before she could even begin to address them.

She lost herself in the documents, her eyes tirelessly scanning the pages until fatigue overtook her.

When morning light spilled into the room, it was the persistent doorbell that stirred Lilah from her slumber. Realizing she had dozed off at her desk, she splashed water on her face and went to see who it was.

“Good morning, Mommy," Jerrold greeted her with a beaming smile.