“Maybe you should take the day off and rest in my lounge?" Gerard suggested, clearly worried.

Lilah, however, was determined. "I'll manage. There's a lot to be done at the office."

"I'm sorry, dear. It wasn't easy for you last night." He kissed her forehead, melting away any lingering irritation she felt.

Despite the pain, Lilah persisted in walking into the eatery for breakfast. Gerard watched her struggle with a mix of guilt and admiration. He prided himself on his self-control, but with Lilah, his restraint seemed to vanish. He regretted pushing her to the point of exhaustion the night before and silently cursed his lack of control.

Over the following few days, Lilah was deeply immersed in her work, particularly focused on the real estate market as the bidding date loomed.

The company's staff grew nervous, some even quietly wishing for Howard's return, recognizing his expertise in real estate. But Lilah paid no heed to these sentiments.

Her focus was undeterred, even as Howard approached her again.

“Miss Phillips, I'm not asking for my old job back, but I want the company to succeed. Let me accompany you to the bidding conference.

I assure you, I can help the company secure the best land," Howard pleaded earnestly, his tone conveying a mix of sincerity and desperation.

He believed he had made significant concessions, and refusing his help might reflect poorly on Lilah, especially if he proved capable of securing valuable land.

However, Lilah saw through his motives.

“Mr. Brown, you're on a break for a reason. It's important to respect that. The company doesn't require anyone to work during their time off," she responded coolly, not allowing business matters to be swayed by his appeal.

Howard's frustration was evident as his expression darkened. "Miss Phillips, I understand you have doubts about me. But I assure you, I can lead the company to greater heights. We can make Phillips Group stronger together."

Lilah remained firm. “Thank you, Mr. Brown. I appreciate your offer, but you should leave now."

Howard's patience snapped. “Lilah, this is unreasonable! The real estate division is crucial to our profits. We've been operating at a loss for years. If we don't turn things around this year, the Phillips Group could collapse. Think about how that will look externally."

"I'm aware of the stakes, Mr. Brown. Thank you for your concern,"

Lilah replied, unmoved by his argument.

Howard stormed out of the room, his anger palpable. He was determined to watch Lilah fail, convinced she couldn't succeed in securing valuable land.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Word of Howard's encounter with Lilah quickly spread through the office, creating a buzz of mixed feelings. While everyone wanted the company to succeed, some questioned Lilah's decision to refuse Howard's offer to help at the bidding conference, considering the potential benefits for the company.

Lilah's background as a jewelry designer, not a real estate expert, added to the employees’ concerns, casting a shadow over the office atmosphere.

Unperturbed by the murmurs and doubts, Lilah focused on her work.

However, she was caught off guard when a headline caught her eye.

"The Heiress of the Rhodes Family Returns; Has Lilah Fallen From Grace?"