Jerrold, however, paid no attention to her.

Undeterred, Maggie recognized a hint of Gerard's aloofness in the boy.

Even as she tried to engage him, Jerrold remained engrossed in his work.

Getting no response, Maggie directed her attention to Lilah and remarked sarcastically, "“Lilah, what brings you here? Is your illegitimate son attending too?"

The snide comment drew stares, some of them judgmental, toward Lilah.

Unfazed, Lilah retorted, “If you don't have anything pleasant to say, Maggie, maybe remain quiet. We wouldn't want any negativity spoiling our meal."

Before Maggie could muster a retort, Jerrold collected the plate of lamb skewers, as if guarding them from potential harm.

Maggie's face reddened with humiliation.

The teacher stepped in to defuse the situation. "Miss Lewis, it's customary for everyone to pitch in for lunch. You and Holly can assist in preparing some skewers."

The notion of manual labor irked Maggie. She was a star! Nevertheless, to maintain her good reputation, she sat down and began helping. She deliberately sat next to Jerrold. Attempting conversation again, she asked, “Is your dad not coming today?"

Jerrold, showing no interest, continued working, leaving Maggie both frustrated and embarrassed. Such insolence, she mentally noted. She'd certainly teach him a lesson if she became her stepmother..

Seeing the preparations nearly done, Lilah approached Jerrold and held his hand, suggesting, "Sweetie, let's go wash our hands."

But as Jerrold stood to leave with Lilah, Maggie abruptly grabbed his other hand, her glare fixed on Lilah. "What do you think you're doing?" she snapped.

“Simply taking him to wash up," Lilah responded evenly.

Maggie's suspicions flared. She presumed Lilah's intent was to cozy up to Jerrold. How audacious of her! After being spurned by Iker, Lilah was now seeking favor with another rich man. Did she believe she could fit into their world?

Maggie was not about to let Lilah have the upper hand.

"Jerrold, stay away from her. She's no good, filled with deceitful tales and mystery. She might've abandoned her own child," Maggie whispered, hoping to sway Jerrold's judgment.

Yet Jerrold was unimpressed. Having grown fond of Lilah, he found Maggie's words distasteful.

In an unexpected move, he swatted her hand away.

The action was subtle, yet it resonated in the quiet setting, drawing attention from several onlookers.

Lilah was taken aback, never imagining Jerrold would confront Maggie so directly.

Regaining her composure, Maggie accused, “Lilah, you orchestrated this, didn't you? Using an innocent child for your schemes! Have you no shame?"

"Miss Lewis, your assumptions are baseless. Jerrold clearly dislikes your meddling. Why do you persist?" Lilah responded, her patience waning.

“Enough of your lies! Where is the teacher? Why is she here?" Maggie demanded, searching for the supervising adult.