Laura bit her lower lip and ventured, "I only need it for a while.

Lilah would surely agree if she was here, wouldn't she?"

Marlene chimed in, "Indeed, Laura has always regarded Lilah as a dear friend. I don't think Lilah would take offense at such a trivial matter.

At the entrance, the moment Lilah stepped inside, she could hear Marlene's voice.

Even in Lilah's absence, Marlene still seemed inclined to stir up trouble.

Lilah was genuinely intrigued to witness how Gerard would handle the situation.

Under the watchful gaze of the assembled guests, Gerard signaled a waiter.

Shortly, the waiter arrived, inquiring, “How may I assist you?"

"Please bring some hair ties for her," Gerard instructed.

The waiter nodded and promptly provided Laura with hair ties. She held three of them in her hand, her expression tense.

“What's the matter, Laura? Not fond of these styles? Well, we're in a public setting. There's not much to be done about it. If you prefer the one on Gerard's wrist, I'll purchase an identical one for you later." Lilah had arrived just in time to offer her considerate words.

Laura was taken aback. She hadn't expected Lilah to join the gathering as well.

Laura didn't think Lilah was eligible to attend such an important gathering.

"No, it's not like that. I'm okay with any style. Lilah, what brings you here? Your presence took me by surprise!" Laura said with a warm and gentle smile. “Oh, right, I nearly forgot that you're now Gerard's significant other. Naturally, you're entitled to join us.

Please, take a seat."

Laura's implication was that Lilah's attendance at the party was contingent on Gerard's involvement.

Upon hearing this, the assembled guests cast meaningful glances in Lilah's direction.

Despite Lilah's impressive piano performance at the previous gathering, the wealthy attendees remained preoccupied with their social standing and lineage. Lilah possessed none of these attributes and, even at the recent auction, she had secured a piece of land that seemed to pique no one's interest.

In their eyes, she was an inconsequential presence undeserving of this illustrious event.

Lilah made her way to Gerard and gracefully settled into the chair he had thoughtfully reserved for her. With a gracious smile, she remarked, "You're absolutely right; I'm equally honored to be Gerard's girlfriend. Laura, you're not bad either. After all, you're a member of the Rhodes family. Otherwise, what would grant you access to this gathering?"

Lilah was subtly insinuating that Laura's family ties were her sole claim to a place in this assembly. They both owed their presence to external connections; neither of them held superior nobility over the other.

Laura clenched her fork tightly.

Sensing the palpable tension in the air, a voice interjected, "Well, what a splendid opportunity for us to share a meal together. Cheers!"

Glasses were raised all around as the guests initiated a toast, transitioning into conversations centered on business matters.