Soon after, whispers and murmurs spread through the company.

Directors messaged Lilah, advocating for Howard's return, but she handled it deftly, standing firm in her decision. This left them at a loss.

Gladys, noticing the growing speculation among employees, advised discretion. While open discussions ceased, the undercurrent of curiosity about the Land Lilah would choose remained.

Lilah kept her plans close to the chest, revealing little.

A few days later, she left work early to pick Jerrold up from school.

They planned to visit Brenda at the Harris family's old house, with Gerard driving them.

On the drive, Gerard broached the subject of the bidding. "Your company is looking to purchase land, right? Have you set your sights on any particular plot?"

"I haven't made a decision yet," Lilah admitted, still engrossed in her analysis on the iPad.

Among the available properties, plots number three and number eight in the city center stood out, both promising excellent developmental prospects.

Lilah, deep in thought, shared her perspective, "I'd go for plot number nineteen. Are you also looking to buy? Which lot are you considering?"

Gerard, intrigued, questioned her choice, "Number nineteen? That seems like an average location. Why there? The popular choices are plots number three and eight. There's even talk the government might relocate there, potentially boosting the economy."

Lilah confidently explained, "Plot number nineteen's potential is underrated. Plus, I suspect the buzz about the government's relocation is a smokescreen to misdirect attention from the real opportunities."

Gerard expressed admiration for her analysis. "I hadn't realized you were so well-versed in this."

“It's not so much my research as it is the lessons from my grandfather," Lilah admitted.

“Your grandfather sounds like he was quite a figure."

"He was. The Dillon Group often tried to undermine the Phillips Group, but my grandfather was resilient. He brought his company to rival the Dillon Group at its peak. He could've taken it further, but his health suffered from the strain." Lilah's voice tinged with sadness as she recalled her grandfather's sudden collapse.

Despite suspicions of foul play, reports had attributed his decline to overwork, She believed he could have propelled the Phillips Group to even greater heights had he Lived longer.

“You have a point. Sometimes, the loudest noise is just a distraction from the truth," Gerard agreed thoughtfully.

"So, you think that's a distraction too?" Lilah asked, a new idea dawning on her as she looked at Gerard.

He simply smiled, offering no response.

Lilah grew quiet, realizing the complexities of the business world were far greater than she had initially thought. The rumor, it seemed, was somehow connected to the Harris Group.

They soon arrived at the old mansion.

Hearing their arrival, Brenda hurried to the door, her face lighting up at the sight of Jerrold.

"Grandma, I missed you," Jerrold said softly.