She thought that if Laura had fought over Gerard more proactively, he wouldn't have been won over by Lilah, who had become so conceited.

Marlene couldn't allow this situation to persist.

After the banquet, Lilah and Gerard made their way back home in unison.

Gerard dispatched Calvin to retrieve Lilah's car and he was about to assume the driver's seat of his Rolls-Royce for the journey homeward.

“Gerard.”

Just then, a gentle voice reached their ears from behind. Laura fixed her gaze upon Gerard, her eyes glistening like flawless crystals.

"Could you possibly grant me a ride back? My chauffeur had to attend to something urgent and left early."

Gerard glanced at Lilah, who offered an affirming nod. "Of course.

Please, hop in," he cordially replied.

To their astonishment, Laura headed for the passenger's seat, swung the door open and settled in.

Lilah and Gerard exchanged surprised glances.

It was only then that Laura seemed to realize something and she hastily explained, "I apologize but I'm prone to car sickness if I sit in the back. I can only be in the front. Lilah, I hope that's not an inconvenience for you. If it is, I can step out right now.”

She feigned opening the door as if to disembark.

“No, please, stay put. It's no trouble at all," Lilah assured her with a warm smile.

Laura responded with a radiant beam and settled back into her seat, a faint smile playing upon her lips.

Many attendees from the banquet were nearby and, if Lilah had allowed her to exit the car, Lilah would face public criticism the following day. However, by preventing her from stepping out, Lilah would have to tolerate her presence beside Gerard the whole way.

Laura couldn't help but wear a triumphant smile. Yet, the next moment, Lilah claimed the driver's seat. The smile on Laura's face transformed into bewilderment. Lilah glanced at her and chuckled.

“Sit still. I like driving fast. Jerrold is home alone. I'm worried about him."

“Uh... OK. Are you taking the wheel? The car's performance may not be the same as your own."

“Fear not. I've had the pleasure of driving it on numerous occasions,"

Lilah responded, her smile radiant. With that assurance, she pressed her foot on the accelerator and the car roared to life.

Laura found herself jolted backward against the seat. She gritted her teeth and, discreetly, cast a furtive glance toward Gerard, who occupied the back seat.

The man's handsome countenance remained devoid of discomfort as he sat upon the sumptuous leather, arms crossed, gazing out the window.

Laura's hands clenched covertly.