Lilah expressed her gratitude to the guards. As she checked her phone, she noticed a luxury car parked nearby and made her way across the street to it.

"Are you alright?" Gerard asked, his deep eyes filled with concern.

Seeing that she was unharmed, he visibly relaxed.

“I'm fine. The mall's security is top-notch," Lilah said with a chuckle. “I'm committed to ensuring everyone's safety here."

Gerard nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It seems you've made quite an impression on the shoppers."

Lilah laughed. "That's part of my vision for the mall."

"Good job. You're doing great," Gerard said, affectionately ruffling her hair.

Lilah nodded, catching a hint of dejection in his countenance. She pressed her lips together, determination in her voice. “I'll keep striving to be the best partner for you. My competence will speak for itself."

Gerard's heart skipped a beat. Lilah could see through his thoughts.

He embraced her, a sigh escaping him. "You don't have to shoulder everything. Leave it to me. No one will dare speak ill of you."

"I don't always want to be the one protected. I want to be your shield as well," Lilah expressed earnestly.

Gerard's breath warmed the top of her head. "Babe?"

"Yes?"

“Do you realize how enticing your words are?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Before she could respond, he gently lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers. Lilah's eyelashes fluttered, and in their close embrace, she saw her reflection and a surge of desire in his deep, dark eyes.

Caught off guard, Lilah's cheeks flushed with warmth. She closed her eyes, melting into Gerard's embrace as he held her tightly.

In the front seat, Calvin, their driver, was taken aback by the sudden intimacy. He quickly got out of car and lit a cigarette.

Before finishing his cigarette, Calvin received a call from Gerard.

He quickly extinguished it and returned to the car, his thoughts racing.

Why did Gerard finish so soon? Was he... impotent? Calvin didn't dare to delve into it and focus on driving.

Meanwhile, not far away, another car was parked inconspicuously.

"Is this the mall you mentioned, the one Lilah manages?" one of the occupants inquired, peering toward the bustling shopping center.

"Yes, Mom. You have no idea how devious she is." Marlene seethed at the mention of Lilah.

Beside her sat a woman of elegance and luxury, wearing chic sunglasses-Tess Phillips, Marlene's mother and a celebrated actress in Hualand.