“I didn't notice anything unusual," Lilah replied, her mind racing with possibilities. Brenda had brought up the topic of marriage and children earlier. Could Brenda, in her eagerness for them to marry, be behind this?

Lilah's gaze shifted to Gerard's flushed face, her concern growing.

"Gerard, you shouldn't just endure this. We need to get you medical attention."

"It's alright. The effect isn't too strong. I'll be fine after a cold shower," he said, his voice deep and strained as he made his way to the bathroom.

Lilah hesitated at the door, watching him take a cold shower. The sight of him trying to cope with the drug's effects caused her heart to ache with empathy.

The drug seemed to specifically target men, as Lilah experienced no reaction.

After ten minutes, Gerard's complexion grew alarmingly pale. Unable to watch him suffer any longer, Lilah rushed into the shower, embracing him.

“Don't stay under the cold water. We'll find another way," she urged.

Soon, her clothes were soaked as they clung to each other. She could feel the heat radiating from Gerard's body, his skin burning against hers, sending shivers through her.

"“Lilah, please, don't feel obligated to do this. I don't want you to regret anything," Gerard rasped, his voice hoarse with restraint.

They had been together for a long time, yet their relationship had never progressed beyond kissing.

Lilah, her face flushed, insisted, “I'm not doing anything against my will."

Besides, they had already had sex a few years ago.

She had always felt Gerard's suppressed desire for her, and now seeing him in this state, she found herself unable to hold back any longer.

Gazing up at his handsome face, Lilah tiptoed and their lips met, igniting a spark of passion.

The bathroom soon echoed with the sound of their intimate connection, the running water blending with their whispers and moans.

Outside, Laura, who had been surreptitiously watching Gerard's room, noticed the silence. She knew the drug's effect wasn't overwhelming and expected Gerard's strong will to resist it.

His natural aloofness toward women should have led him to reject Lilah, as he had done with others before. But the absence of any commotion left her increasingly anxious, fearing they might be doing something she didn't want to happen.

Impatient, Laura approached the door. "Gerard, are you asleep? I need to talk to you," she called out.

No reply came from inside.

As Laura's hand reached for the doorknob, a shadow emerged from the darkness, seizing her wrist. “Miss Rhodes, please don't disturb the boss," a voice warned.

"I... I just needed to speak with him, Laura stammered, caught off guard by the sudden intervention.

Laura clenched her teeth in frustration. "I've known your boss since childhood. I need to see him," she insisted.

"The boss's personal matters are off-limits, even to his father," the bodyguard replied, his tone firm and unyielding.