As dawn broke, Lilah's eyes fluttered open to a sight bathed in morning light. Gerard's handsome features glowed with a golden hue, reminiscent of a slumbering prince. Startled, she instinctively moved away, her heart pounding.

Gerard's eyes opened, registering a hint of confusion before focusing on Lilah's surprised face.

He quickly explained, "You seemed cold last night, and you suddenly snuggled up to me..."

Flustered, Lilah's cheeks flushed a deep red. "I-I'm sorry."

“It's fine," Gerard reassured her, placing his warm hand gently on her forehead. Lilah found his gesture peculiar until he said, "No fever; that's good."

She nodded in understanding.

“I'm okay, but it's strange that the night here in the south is colder than in Eleywood." She cast a glance at the air conditioner.

“Doesn't it seem like it's not really working?"

Gerard, expression unchanged, agreed. "It seems this hotel isn't quite up to standard. Let's just get through these next two days. We won't stay here again."

"Alright," Lilah murmured, her attention elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Gerard headed for the shower, his thoughts preoccupied. On his way, he glanced at his phone. A message from the hotel manager caught his eye. "Mr. Harris, was yesterday's air conditioning setting to your liking? Shall we maintain it for today?" it read.

His response was brief and devoid of warmth. "Yes. Keep it the same."

With that, he set his phone aside and stepped into the shower.

The previous night had been a challenge, a restless blend of desire and discomfort.

Gerard, Lilah and Jerrold had fun in the city for the following few days.

Meanwhile, Laura was gradually recovering. On the day of their departure, she and Walter surprised them at the airport.

When Lilah saw her there, her brow furrowed with concern. “Laura, how were you discharged from the hospital so quickly?"

Laura's smile was like a ray of sunshine, her eyes reflecting a calm depth. “The doctors think it's better not to stay in the hospital too long. They believe I'll recover just as well at home."

“I hope you get better soon, then," Lilah replied. She reached out, gently holding Jerrold's hand, a small gesture that spoke volumes.

Laura's eyes lingered on Jerrold, her mind swirling with questions.

Was he really Gerard's son?

When Walter had first mentioned it, disbelief had clouded her thoughts. Rumors had it that Jerrold's mother was a mystery, a result of some cunning plot against Gerard.

Lilah, on the other hand, seemed genuinely attached to the boy. Laura wondered if she was using Jerrold to secure a place in the Harris family.

"Is this Gerard's child? He's so adorable," Laura cooed, squatting to ruffle Jerrold's hair gently. Jerrold looked wary but didn't pull away, possibly out of respect for his parents.