Julie nodded knowingly. “Gerard might seem enamored with Lilah now, but he'll eventually see her true colors and realize you're the one for him, Laura."

Julie held Laura and her prominent Rhodes family status in high regard, knowing a union with Gerard would elevate the Harris family.

The relatives’ opinions were driven by their dependence on the Harris family's fortunes. They couldn't fathom Lilah as the future matriarch.

Laura appeared conflicted, wanting to object but unsure how to begin.

Guests continued to arrive as the banquet neared. The room buzzed with anticipation.

Suddenly, a discordant voice broke the calm. “Oh, it's you," a waiter exclaimed, his gaze locked intensely on Lilah, emotions churning in his eyes.

What on earth could be happening here? Lilah wondered.

She stared at the stranger with furrowed brows and asked him, “Who are you?"

“Have you forgotten me already? I guess that should not be surprising.

To you, I was just a passing stranger," the waiter, George, said with a bitter smile, but his eyes were filled with anxiety. “Anyway, just tell me, where is our child?"

Child?

Immediately, the hall fell into commotion.

How could Lilah have a child with another man?

"I'm warning you, don't say any nonsense here!" Lilah rebuked him angrily.

"I'm not talking nonsense. You were pregnant with my child, and I've been searching for you since then. That was our first child. Where is the child now?" George demanded, grabbing her by her shoulders.

But Lilah promptly slapped his hand away.

Immediately, Gerard gave a signal and all of a sudden, several bodyguards appeared to escort George away.

“Wait, Gerard! Let him explain himself properly!" Julie quickly interjected.

The relatives were already dissatisfied with Lilah. This new revelation that she had once been pregnant with another man's child further fueled their indignation.

Seizing this fresh opportunity, George shouted, “Lilah, didn't you promise to spend the rest of your life with me? You told me you were pregnant with our first child. So why did you cut off all contact with me all these years? Why are you pretending that you don't know me? Is it because you're now mixing with the rich and influential?

Look, I don't care about what you do with yourself, but you must give me my child."

Everyone was taken aback by this public accusation.

"Oh my goodness! Did Lilah truly have a child with this man?"

“How come we are only just hearing for the first time that she has another child?"