Laura's facade faltered slightly. "Gerard-"

Gretchen, unable to remain silent, spoke up. "Mr. Harris, I don't believe this is entirely Miss Rhodes' fault. If the young lady had been more careful with Jerrold, perhaps this wouldn't have happened."

Gerard's response was cutting. “Why did the accident occur here and not elsewhere?"

Even Jerrold, tired of hearing the blame placed on Lilah, defended her. “Mommy always takes good care of me. I just felt the floor was slippery when I stepped on it."

His words effectively shifted the responsibility back to the Rhodes family.

Laura, caught off guard by this turn of events, conceded, "It's my mistake. Sweetie, next time we'll be more cautious, and you won't get hurt."

With that, Gerard, carrying Jerrold and holding Lilah's hand, made their exit.

Laura was left speechless, unable to prevent their departure. She watched them leave, and only then did Gretchen express her shock.

“Miss Rhodes, don't cry. You are far better than that woman."

Laura, realizing she was crying, wiped her tears. "I'm fine, Gretchen.

It's just-I'm so relieved to have woken up from the coma. I'm happy."

Gretchen, still worried, looked at Laura. "Miss Rhodes, you don't need to pretend to be strong for me. That woman is cunning, Manipulating the child's emotions so effectively. Mr. Harris will eventually see what he's missing. You are truly remarkable, Miss Rhodes."

Laura offered a faint smile in response, choosing not to elaborate.

Shortly thereafter, a servant approached with news. “Miss Rhodes, your classmate Marlene Phillips is here to see you. Shall I let her in?"

“Marlene Phillips?" Laura paused, searching her memory for the name.

Could Marlene somehow be connected to Lilah?

"Please, let her in," Laura instructed.

Meanwhile, the car carrying Lilah, Gerard, and Jerrold departed from the Rhodes family residence, heading back to Starlight Mansion.

Upon entering the apartment, Lilah was greeted by the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal, catching her by surprise. Gerard's voice, low and considerate, broke the silence. "I thought you might be hungry, so I asked the nanny to prepare something in advance."

"You're so thoughtful, Gerard," Lilah responded, her stomach growling in agreement. The long flight and the missed meal at the Rhodes' had left her famished. She had dreaded the idea of cooking upon returning home, so this was a welcome surprise.

As Lilah and Jerrold eagerly ate their meal, Gerard watched them with a hint of regret. ‘m sorry we visited the Rhodes'. We shouldn't have gone there."

“It's okay. We won't go there anymore. What matters is that Jerrold is safe," Lilah reassured him, casting a loving glance at Jerrold.

"Thanks to your protection of Jerrold," Gerard said, looking at Lilah with a gentle gaze.

"Mommy, have some more," Jerrold said, offering food to Lilah.