Lilah's eyes sparked with delight and her smile radiated brilliantly.

In a sudden, affectionate impulse, she elevated herself onto her tiptoes and bestowed a sweet kiss upon Gerard's cheek. "Thank you, Gerard," she uttered with genuine gratitude.

Gerard's gaze deepened in tenderness and he playfully indicated his own lips while teasing, “Darling, my lips are right here."

A vivid blush painted Lilah's cheeks, a testament to her bashful response.

Gerard, utterly charmed by her reaction, chose not to push the matter further. Instead, he enveloped her in a warm embrace, leading her toward the waiting car.

The surrounding ladies were left in a state of astonishment.

A moment ago, they persuaded the girl to reconsider her decision and, when she departed, they believed she had made a regrettable choice.

Little did they realize that she had a vastly superior alternative!

The gentleman accompanying Lilah cast an overwhelming shadow over Iker.

Observing Lilah's departure as she entered the Rolls-Royce, they felt as if reality had delivered a harsh slap to their faces and their expressions contorted in an unsightly manner.

"some among them whispered, “Who, exactly, is this young lady.. bewildered and curious.

Emerging from the shadows of a pillar, Alice clenched her jaw. Her gaze lingered on the space Lilah had just vacated, burning with envy.

She'd convinced herself that Gerard's sudden appearance was to sever ties with Lilah, to publicly reject her. The reality, however, was a slap in the face-Gerard had presented Lilah with a gift. Their exchange was so tender, so genuine; it was hard to dismiss it as mere pretense.

But Lilah? There were rumors about her and a mysterious guy on the Internet, and now she was seen with Iker. What charm did Lilah possess that drew Gerard in, despite her rumored indiscretions?

Alice, at thirty-five, had yet to find a partner. Her dating life was a parade of disappointment, men who either came across as sleazy or just weren't easy on the eyes. None had sparked even a flicker of interest in her.

In stark contrast stood Lilah-radiant, youthful, a magnet for the hearts of men. Envy gnawed at Alice. In her eyes, Lilah belonged on the streets, not in an executive suite. The injustice was like a bitter pill to swallow, and a sinister glint crossed Alice's gaze, fleeting yet ominous.

A sudden buzz from her phone snapped Alice back to the present. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the message. Gerard...

Meanwhile, ensconced in the luxury of the Rolls-Royce, Lilah felt her phone vibrate. She, too, caught wind of the news. Gerard had made a move so uncharacteristic that it sent shockwaves through the rumor mill.

He had tweeted a photo-a simple, yet powerful act. The image showcased the necklace he'd given Lilah, a delicate piece that lay gracefully against her skin. That single picture spoke volumes, silencing gossip and speculation.

“Who says they are just pretending to be a couple? Mr. Harris, notoriously private, suddenly goes public with affection. Sure, the necklace is a stunner, but Lilah outshines it in every way," one netizen commented.

The Internet erupted.

"Ah!!! Why is Mr. Harris flaunting their love now?"

“Mr. Harris' love for Lilah isn't for show. I did some digging-the necklace is valued at a cool hundred million. Can you imagine? Anyone doubting their love after that is just begging for a confrontation.

Seriously, if Mr. Harris wanted a strategic marriage, he'd pick someone who's his equal, not Lilah, right?"