"We're doing well, Brenda."

"That's good to hear. I've been in touch with Kenneth, who's going to be a judge of a drawing contest for young artists. He's also scouting for a protégé. I thought of Jerrold, as he seems to enjoy drawing. It doesn't matter if he wins; I just want him to experience the competition." Brenda's voice radiated happiness as she thought of Jerrold's progress.

She hoped Jerrold would embrace his interest in drawing further and become more willing to share his thoughts with others.

Lilah agreed to the idea.

Later that evening, she discussed it with Jerrold.

“Jerrold, if you want to join in, go for it. If not, that's okay too.

Whatever you decide, we're with you," she assured him gently.

Jerrold pondered for a moment before responding sweetly, "I'll join."

"Great, the competition is the day after tomorrow. We have time to prepare. Are you nervous?"

"A bit."

Lilah, with her background in design, spent the next two days helping Jerrold with his drawing skills.

To her amazement, Jerrold showed a natural talent for painting. His work had an energy and depth uncommon in children.

Initially, Lilah wanted Jerrold to simply experience the competition, but now she felt he might truly excel.

The day of the competition arrived.

Jenna also brought her daughter. She was interested only because Kenneth was judging. She viewed the competition as beneath her daughter otherwise.

"Vera. Jenna adjusted Vera's clothing. “Are you confident about winning?"

Vera glanced at the other children, some clinging to their mothers, and sneered. "Mom, I'll definitely win.”

Jenna beamed. “Your teachers abroad always praised your talent. No child in Hualand matches you."

Her ambitions for Vera were high: to become Kenneth's apprentice, study finance, and emerge as Eleywood's most accomplished woman.

Jenna saw Jerrold merely as an autistic child, unable to compete with Vera. She believed as long as Gerard had no more children, Vera would remain the family's star.

In Jenna's mind, her in-laws died because of protecting Richard, and he owed it to Vera to support her rise within the Harris Group.

Jenna harbored high aspirations for her daughter. She believed Vera, despite being a girl, surpassed many boys and deserved to be at the forefront.

However, Jenna was taken aback when she spotted a familiar face.

Doubting her eyes, she blinked and exclaimed, "Jerrold? Miss Phillips?"