Lilah's heart warmed at the thoughtfulness displayed. "Thank you, I'm quite content. Please, return to your tasks."

With a tray of enticing smacks at her disposal, Lilah indulged herself, all the while delving deeper into the wisdom Gerard had imparted earlier.

She possessed no omnipotence; within the company, numerous projects remained elusive to her full comprehension, thus necessitating arduous effort and diligent application.

After some passage of time, the office door swung open once more.

Initially, Lilah assumed it to be Calvin but, upon raising her eyes, she saw a resplendent, fiery blonde woman adorning a provocatively stylish, ebony strapless gown.

"Hello, may I inquire as to your identity?"

Lilah assumed she might be a client and promptly rose to extend a gracious greeting.

"And who might you be?"

To Lilah's surprise, the woman's voice resonated with palpable hostility, her scrutinizing gaze sharp as a dagger.

In the blonde woman's estimation, Lilah bore no hallmark of extravagance; she was likely a secretary here.

The woman's gaze drifted toward the snacks beside Lilah and her eyes clouded with overt disdain.

It wasn't lost on the woman that a good number of secretaries would pull out all the stops to captivate the bosses, especially one as young and illustrious as Gerard, a figure who stood beyond the reach of most.

"Gather your belongings and vacate this space. I require this space for a meeting with Mr. Harris!" the woman declared, her words steeped in derision.

Lilah furrowed her brow. Though she harbored no fondness for the woman's brusque demeanor, given the woman's client status, she began to pack her belongings.

As Lilah made her exit, the woman's voice rang out once more. "Fetch me a cup of coffee!"

Lilah pressed her lips together, and then turned and headed for the pantry.

Returning with the coffee in hand, she carefully placed it on the table. The woman took a sip, her visage shifting in apparent displeasure. "Who on earth drinks such bitter coffee?"

“How would you like your coffee, miss?"

“Sweetened, of course! How can you bungle even such a rudimentary task?"

The woman vociferated her discontent.

Lilah stood in silence, pondering if this haughty demeanor was a prevalent trait among contemporary clients.

"Apologies, but I'm not your servant," she said calmly.

Eyes wide with disbelief, the woman struggled to process that a mere secretary had the audacity to challenge her. As she was gearing up to retort, she noticed something and quickly poured the coffee on herself, transforming her into a picture of misfortune.

Lilah blinked, half-convinced her mind was playing tricks. Yet, reality snapped into focus as a set of footsteps neared, heralded by the earthy notes of a masculine cologne that carried with it an air of undeniable command. Gerard had arrived.