Please let me know your preferences."

“Thank you."

Lilah surveyed the array of snacks, feeling touched by the thoughtful gesture. She sampled one, savoring the rich taste of what was clearly an imported delicacy.

Glancing at her phone, she noticed that the derogatory comments about Aurora Jewelers had vanished, leaving the online community in a state of confusion.

“Why was my account suspended?"

"Anytime I mention her or her company, my comments are blocked."

“How did this happen? Is their company that influential?"

“She must have some high-powered allies."

"Typical, trading her body to get ahead. Let's call that woman ‘Trading Her Body’.

Witnessing the erasure of these comments, Lilah felt a jolt of surprise and instinctively turned to Gerard.

Immersed in his work, his features were etched with intensity and grace.

"Don't get swayed by online chatter," he remarked, not lifting his eyes from his task.

"Did you have a hand in this?" she inquired.

"Yes," he affirmed, causing her heart to skip a beat.

She wanted to delve deeper into his motivations when Gerard, as if sensing her curiosity, shut his laptop and walked over. Locking his deep, mesmerizing gaze onto hers, he stated, “You deserve everything I did for you."

Lilah was at a loss for words.

His intense stare was both entrancing and overwhelming. She averted her eyes, unable to sustain the connection.

A fleeting emotion crossed Gerard's face when he noticed Lilah's silence, but it was swiftly masked by his usual cool demeanor. “Shall we go for dinner?"

"sure."

After collecting Jerrold, they made their way to a nearby restaurant.

As they dined and chatted, the evening took on a familiar and domestic feel, reminding Lilah of the comforting rhythms of family life.

However, this sense of calm was disrupted when Lilah's phone rang, displaying a familiar name. The warmth drained from her face as she answered.

"Lilah," Matthew's voice came through, uncharacteristically gentle.

She knew this tone. It was the voice he used when he wanted something.