"I'll consider it," Lilah replied, her doubt evident.

She thought this painting was worth at least ten million. Did she make a mistake? But her instincts had never failed her before.

The vendor, seeing an opportunity, became more eager. "Alright, final offer, 80, 000. It's fate that brought you here; otherwise, I wouldn't let it go for so little."

"Alright," Lilah agreed.

The surrounding crowd was visibly shocked. 80, 000 for that painting?

They watched in disbelief as Lilah paid and took the painting.

A nearby stall owner couldn't resist commenting, “You just conned someone!"

The vendor chuckled, pleased with his profit. "She fell for it, ha-ha."

Shortly after, three young women approached him.

Expecting another sale, the vendor was caught off guard when one of the women asked, "What did that lady just buy?"

"A painting," he replied cautiously. "How do you know her?"

Marlene handed him a tip. "She's my cousin. I'm just making sure she's not being reckless with her money. How much did she pay?"

The vendor pocketed the money and assured them, "She got a great deal, just 80, 000."

Only 8, 0007

As they walked away, Marlene mused aloud, “Lilah is quite savvy. To give Richard a birthday gift worth only 80, 000!"

Laura was also surprised, her eyes lighting up with a smile as she remarked, "Perhaps Lilah perceives a certain beauty in that painting."

Chuckling, Marlene, brimming with excitement after her belittlement of Lilah, commented, “Most of the paintings at the stalls are mere imitations."

She relished the thought of Lilah's imminent embarrassment, convinced that Lilah was asking for trouble. Marlene envisioned Richard's reaction upon discovering that Lilah's birthday gift was a purchase from a roadside stall.

In Marlene's view, Lilah was utterly useless. How could Lilah ever marry into the esteemed Harris family if Richard despised her? There was no way.

On her way back after procuring the gift, Lilah received a call from Effie.

“Hey Lilah, is there something you need? I'm in the middle of filming."

Understanding Effie's busy schedule, Lilah inquired, “I know you're occupied but I just wanted to ask... How's everything going with Winston?"

After a brief hesitation, Lilah decided to broach the subject.

Effie responded with a smile, "Great. He dropped by yesterday to check on me. If I didn't get along with my boyfriend, I wouldn't have sought my brother's help. Why do you suddenly ask about this, Lilah?"