After concluding the call, Gerard turned his attention to Lilah, sharing, "My business associate is rather insistent on presenting me with a birthday gift."

He notably stressed the final words.

A swift epiphany struck Lilah as she connected the dots to her prior question to Andrew about the whereabouts of the gift box.

If the gift was left in Gerard's car, he would have seen it by now.

So, it was probably in Andrew's car. “Sorry, I've prepared a gift for you but I might have to give it to you tomorrow," Lilah said.

She could no longer postpone the task of retrieving the gift from Andrew's car.

She would have to go today and not delay any longer.

Gerard's deep, affectionate eyes met hers as he reassured, "No need to rush; I'm in no haste."

“Very well," Lilah hurriedly nodded.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Walter, who had been abruptly disconnected, continued to muse. What precisely was Gerard implying? Was he subtly suggesting that another party should take it upon themselves to offer him a birthday gift?

And, considering that Lilah was the sole individual who hadn't yet delivered one, was Gerard discreetly reminding her?

How sly!

A sense of bitterness welled up within Walter as he contemplated why he hadn't recognized Gerard's cunning earlier.

Back at Lilah's office, an unexpected visitor made an entrance.

Lilah's eyes fell upon Andrew and she couldn't hide her astonishment.

“Why have you left the hospital so soon?"

Andrew still bore visible bandages but his countenance appeared even more captivating.

He offered a wicked smile and retorted, "Hospitals, you see, are far from pleasant. These are just superficial wounds, after all. I had no desire to linger there. By the way, Mr. Harris is also here."

"Yes," Gerard responded with a frigid tone, his gaze fixated on Andrew's chest, where a resplendent and exquisite brooch caught his attention.

Gerard's eyes narrowed.

How was Andrew wearing this?

Gerard had previously laid eyes on the design sketch that Lilah had prepared for his gift and it bore an uncanny resemblance to the brooch now adorning Andrew's chest.

Lilah hadn't presented a gift to him. Could it be...

Gerard clenched his long, sinewy fingers, causing the veins on the back of his hand to bulge.