Was Brenda subtly insinuating something about her?

Commendations and respect naturally flowed toward Lilah.

As the evening meal concluded, the gathering drew to a close and attendees commenced their departures.

Marlene, observing that Lilah hadn't experienced any setbacks that day, felt a twinge of frustration.

No, she couldn't allow Lilah to revel in her success; she needed to visit Adaline as swiftly as possible!

With the departure of the other guests, only the Harris family members lingered. Brenda extended an invitation for Lilah to stay and unwind. After a brief pause, Lilah assented.

"Mr. Felipe Harris has arrived!" a servant announced.

Soon after, laughter resonated from the entrance.

"Uncle Richard, Aunt Brenda."

A man, sharing a resemblance with Gerard, entered clad in a deep blue suit. He was accompanied by a lady adorned in furs.

The lady led an elegantly dressed girl, roughly Jerrold's age.

Lilah was taken aback. Was this Gerard's cousin?

It marked her initial encounter with him.

She had heard that Gerard's cousin, Felipe, harbored no interest in business, dedicating himself entirely to academics. Witnessing him today, he indeed exuded an aura of scholarly seriousness.

However, the woman accompanying him appeared markedly different.

The little girl, Vera Harris, walked up to Richard, playfully expressing, "Granduncle Richard, it's been so long! I've missed you terribly!"

"Is this Vera? You've grown so much; I've missed you too," Richard beamed, displaying his joy. He then looked at Felipe and asked, “Why did you come so late?"

Felipe replied, "Uncle Richard, I apologize for our delay. Our flight back was late, but we're here now. Happy birthday, and here's the gift we've prepared for you."

“It's alright, I'm just happy you could make it," Richard replied with a smile, understanding their frequent travels.

Vera, eager to share her gift, interjected, “I have something for you too!"

“What is it?" Richard's curiosity was piqued.

With a flourish, Vera unfurled a roll of paper, revealing a portrait of Richard. It was not only well-done but also strikingly resembled him.

Richard was visibly impressed. "Who's the artist behind this?"

"I drew it myself!" Vera declared proudly.