His words struck a chord in Lilah, reminding her of the precious child she had been blessed with.

"Jerrold, my only wish is for you to grow up safe and happy. I Love my work. It's tiring, but it brings me joy. Do you understand?" She looked at him, hoping to convey the complexity of adult life.

But the nuances were lost on Jerrold, his young mind not quite grasping the depth of his mother's words.

Once Jerrold was at kindergarten, Gerard drove Lilah to her office.

"How's everything at Aurora Jewelers?" he asked.

"It's under control. I've delegated my responsibilities to the Deputy CEO, but I'll still be keeping an eye on things," she replied.

“Good to hear. Hope you have a good day, Lilah," Gerard said with a warm tone.

He ran his fingers through her hair, which seemed to catch the morning light. Lilah's smile was quick to respond, lighting up her face.

In an impromptu gesture, she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss before swinging the car door open and stepping out.

Gerard sat for a moment, pleasantly surprised. He had worried he might have unsettled her last night, but it seemed she held no such reservations.

He allowed himself a small smile as warmth seeped into what once felt like a frosty, solitary existence.

At the Phillips Group, Lilah walked into a buzz of dissent in the lobby.

"This place is sinking. They really made her CEO? Aurora Jewelers is just a small company. She's out of her depth here," someone muttered doubtfully.

“I couldn't believe what I was hearing from her yesterday. She's going to run the Phillips Group into the ground. Time to look for a new job," another voice added with a sneer.

“Quiet! Lilah is coming through."

“So what if she is? The company's finished regardless."

Discontent was rife among the employees, and it showed in their slackened work ethic.

Lilah caught the tail end of the gossip, her glance alone enough to silence the outspoken employees, who suddenly found the floor intensely interesting.

She didn't address the whispers as she stepped into the elevator.

The two gossiping employees exhaled, thinking they were off the hook.

The more emboldened female employee scoffed, “She heard us, but it doesn't matter. She won't last. And she's thinking of approaching Chris for funds? Might as well try to snatch a steak from a lion."

"Your concern seems misplaced. Shouldn't you be more attentive to your own responsibilities?" Lilah's voice cut through the hum of the elevator, cold and pointed.

The woman who had been brimming with bravado felt a knot of anxiety.

She watched, stunned, as Lilah walked out of the elevator, her presence lingering long after she was out of sight.