Brenda bristled at these comments, insisting firmly, "My Jerrold has always been normal."

Sensing her displeasure, a relative hastily added, “Of course, Jerrold is normal. But Brenda, he's grown now, as competent as Gerard.

It's high time to find a suitable lady for Gerard to grace the Harris household."

Present during this exchange, Lilah received no acknowledgment. In the eyes of the Harris relatives, she was merely a fleeting amusement for Gerard, unworthy of the role of his wife.

Brenda's expression turned stormy at these insinuations. "It's been a while since we last met. Your vision must be failing if you can't recognize my daughter-in-law," she retorted.

The scolded woman, slightly abashed, persisted, "But Brenda, the hostess of the Harris family should come from a family that matches ours. Gerard might be infatuated with Lilah now, but you need to think this through."

Brenda's anger simmered. She longed to lash out physically at the woman's audacity.

"You should rest. You're not young anymore. Don't stay here and risk making others uncomfortable," Brenda replied icily.

The woman, taken aback, could only muster a weak "Brenda—"

Brenda cut her off, "I won't tolerate any slander against my daughter-in-law. She is the finest in the world. Cross that line again, and you'll have me to reckon with."

Her fierce demeanor left no room for doubt.

The relative, disheartened, questioned if age had turned Brenda eccentric. Her endorsement of Lilah seemed unfathomable.

At that moment, Gerard's commanding voice pierced the air. "Lilah will be my wife. Anyone who disagrees can leave." He emerged, clad in an exquisite suit, exuding a formidable presence.

His piercing gaze locked onto the relative, who felt as if she were under the scrutiny of a fierce predator. Her nerves tingled with unease.

Hastily, the relative backpedaled, "I was only joking. Lilah is so beautiful and perfect. She really is a match for Gerard."

Lilah, witnessing this, couldn't help but marvel at the relative's swift change of face.

The woman beat a hasty retreat, leaving a clear message-Lilah was not to be trifled with.

Laura observed Lilah and Gerard mingling with guests, noting Gerard's commanding presence. Despite this, Lilah held her own, making them an impressive pair. Laura gripped her cup, lost in thought.

Julie Peterson, a Harris family relative, whispered to Laura conspiratorially, “Laura, you and Gerard are destined for each other.

You match his status. Lilah is just overstepping her bounds."

Laura responded with a grave expression, “Please, let's not talk Like that. Lilah is a remarkable person too."

“You're too kind," Julie sighed. "To be with Gerard, Lilah must be cunning. She's not right for him."

Other relatives of the Harris family thought the same. One of them said, "Gerard is not a fool. I don't think he treats Lilah seriously.

Remember David Todd? He once loved a poor girl deeply and claimed that she was his only wife, but eventually, he abandoned her and chose a more socially suitable match."