Laura's breath caught in her throat. She had known about the Harris family's support, but the extent of it was beyond her imagination.

She realized Gerard's actions were a recompense for her past incapacitation.

Collecting herself, Laura closed the document. “Gerard, I am grateful for everything you've done for us. I know we've relied on your generosity, but the Rhodes family is still a major player in Rivendell. Can't we maintain a standard business relationship?"

Gerard's icy gaze cut through her. “I've shown you respect. Have you reciprocated?"

Laura faltered, sensing his reference to what happened at the previous party. She rushed to explain, "I did give Marlene the address, but I had no idea what she planned. If I'd known, I would have stopped her!"

Gerard's expression remained impassive, his patience thinning. “Your excuses don't interest me. I trust only what I see.”

Laura, feeling a deep sense of helplessness, forced a smile through her tears. “After all these years, don't you trust me at all?"

Gerard's silence was his answer.

Overcome with emotion, Laura turned to leave, her solitary figure a poignant sight.

Exiting the office, Laura encountered the Harris Group's older directors. They had always taken an interest in Gerard's personal life, secretly disapproving of his relationship with Lilah. Despite their concerns, Gerard and Lilah's enduring relationship was becoming increasingly hard to ignore.

“Ah, Laura, you've become even more beautiful," one director, John Martinez, commented jovially. "You and Gerard always seemed like the perfect match. Such a pairing would have been a boon to future generations."

Flushing, Laura responded, "Thank you, Mr. Martinez, but please, Gerard has someone else in his life now."

John's eyes narrowed. “You mean Lilah? A woman from such a modest background as Lilah's isn't suited for someone like Gerard. Laura, you're losing touch with reality. Gerard's the most eligible bachelor in Eleywood. Be careful not to let him get too close to her."

Laura sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice. “Mr. Martinez, you're overestimating my influence. Gerard and Lilah are quite serious, and Jerrold is actually Lilah's son. I admit, I have feelings for Gerard, but they're unspoken. Lilah's displeasure with our family led to the end of the business partnership."

"What?" John looked genuinely shocked.

He hadn't realized Jerrold was Lilah's child, a fact that implied a long-standing relationship between her and Gerard. He quickly concluded that Lilah must be manipulating Gerard.

Why would Lilah influence Gerard to sever ties with the Rhodes family?

She was cunning indeed. But when did Gerard become so easily swayed?

“I've always been concerned about Gerard focusing too much on work and being vulnerable. It seems he's fallen for Lilah's schemes. I'll bring this up at the board meeting.”

Laura nodded, appearing resigned. Yet, as she turned to leave, a glimmer of cold calculation flickered in her eyes.

At five o'clock that afternoon, the Harris Group's board meeting commenced.

As it was drawing to a close, John seized his opportunity. Clearing his throat, he turned to Gerard. “Gerard, I need to ask about the sudden end of our collaboration with the Rhodes family. The two groups have a long-standing partnership. What's the reason for this abrupt change?"

Every director turned their attention to Gerard, awaiting his response.

With a steely tone, Gerard answered, “We've aligned with a more advantageous partner."