Having just returned from an overseas shoot, Tess exuded charm and sophistication.

Tess, noticing her daughter's agitation, offered reassurance with a smile. "Darling, it's only a shopping mall. Even if Lilah succeeds, it's nothing compared to the might of the Dillon Group. Her influence is a fraction of ours."

“But I want to defeat her completely," Marlene declared, her eyes burning with ambition.

“That's easy," Tess said softly, her voice laced with contempt.

“Public opinion is a powerful tool."

Marlene's eyes shone with hope. Her mother, a celebrated actress and a master of public relations, knew well how to sway public opinion.

In the digital age, reputations could be made or broken online.

Marlene reveled in the thought of Lilah's downfall.

Meanwhile, Lilah and Gerard arrived back at Starlight Mansion.

Jerrold was engrossed in a drawing, which showed three figures, a child and a mother holding hands, with a man standing at a distance.

"Who's this?" Lilah asked, pointing to the distant figure.

"That's Daddy!" Jerrold replied in his innocent voice.

Lilah laughed softly at his response. Gerard observed the drawing, his expression unreadable. He pondered silently; was this child truly his?

Gerard, sitting comfortably on the sofa, turned to Jerrold. "Your kindergarten days are almost over. Which elementary school are you thinking about?"

Jerrold, though young, was already familiar with the city's schools, a testament to the Harris family's early focus on education. He answered without hesitation, "Newington Elementary School."

Gerard nodded, but cautioned, "Getting into that school isn't easy.

You'll have to pass their entrance exam."

“Okay," Jerrold replied confidently.

Lilah, a native of Eleywood, was well aware of Newington Elementary School's esteemed reputation. The school, known for its high tuition and selective admission, cultivated only the top students. Its competitive nature meant that falling behind in rankings could Lead to expulsion. Successful graduates from Newington Middle School were often considered elite.

Lilah remembered her own childhood, when she had missed the chance to attend Newington due to her family's reluctance to pay the hefty fees.

Adaline, too, had attempted but failed to secure a place.

Encouragingly, Lilah said to Jerrold, “You can do it, sweetie. I have faith in you."

With a blend of youthful confidence and determination, Jerrold assured, "Mommy, I won't disappoint you."

After a heartwarming time with Jerrold, Lilah prepared to leave.