The surrounding crowd turned their gaze to Lilah.

With a tone dripping with reproach, Maggie stated, “Lilah, I thought you genuinely cared for Mr. Harris. I never expected you'd harbor such animosity toward his child. How can you forget the vulnerability of kids? You're detestable!"

“Maggie, why don't you keep your baseless accusations to yourself?"

Lilah countered icily.

Maggie, incensed by the public rebuke, sought out Gerard with a plea in her eyes. "Mr. Harris, I never realized Lilah harbored such sinister intentions toward Jerrold. I should've alerted you. This woman has a dubious reputation in Eleywood. She was unfaithful to my brother during their relationship.

“Really, Maggie? Care to share your own notorious escapades and dalliances?" Lilah fired back.

Maggie, her face turning scarlet, stammered, “You... How dare you slander me! It doesn't change the fact that you're capable of harming a child. Mr. Harris, you cannot overlook this!"

"I've no idea where that medication came from," Lilah asserted, her tone firm. Suddenly, the memory of Holly approaching Jerrold earlier flashed in her mind. “It was you, wasn't it?" Lilah's eyes pierced Maggie.

Maggie, momentarily stunned by the direct accusation, feigned ignorance. “What are you insinuating?"

Lilah, her voice laced with contempt, responded, "You schemed it all.

You used Holly to plant the medicine on me. Quite the intricate plot, Maggie."

Maggie, on the defensive, retorted, "You've lost your mind, Lilah.

Accusing me now? I bear no ill will toward Jerrold. Besides, I adore children. Why would I ever perpetrate something so vile?"

A crowd of parents had gathered, watching the unfolding drama.

Gerard stood tall, his face a mask of steely composure, and his dark eyes gave nothing away.

Yet, everyone was acutely aware that Jerrold was the future heir to the Harris legacy. The one responsible for this charade would face severe repercussions.

"Mr. Harris, she's trying to pin this on me!" Maggie's voice gained strength as she defended herself. "That evidence was in her pocket, and yet she accuses me. Does she believe we're all easily deceived?"

"What if you're the one behind this?" Lilah challenged.

"If I am, then I'll kneel before you in apology," Maggie declared with fervor. “But unfortunately for you, I'm innocent. Lilah, ponder how you'll explain this to Jerrold!"

Lilah's gaze sharpened. “Let's have this medicine package tested for fingerprints then!"

As Lilah's words rang out, Maggie's face went pale.

She had known that she and Holly were the only ones who had handled that medicine packet. The thought of a test would immediately expose their actions.

Seeing Maggie's expression, Lilah smirked. "Something bothering you?

Guilty, perhaps?"