“Hello, Gerard?" she answered swiftly.

"Yeah, I came by your office earlier to clarify I'm not involved in that online matter. I doubt my mother would approve of this easily,"

Gerard said, his voice sounding detached.

His indifference left a bitter taste in Lilah's mouth. "I was just—"

“Focus on your work," he interjected softly.

Even though Gerard suggested ending the call, neither of them hung up immediately. Instead, they lingered, silently listening to each other's breathing over the line.

Lilah took a deep breath before speaking. “I need to apologize. You heard my conversation in the pantry, didn't you?"

"Yes," Gerard replied, his honesty evident.

“I didn't mean it like that. I wasn't implying anything specific—"

"It's okay. Remember, I was the one who fell for you first," Gerard reassured her. “I was just upset because I felt out of control.

You've done nothing wrong, Lilah. It's fine if you don't feel as strongly about me. I'll just have to work on making you like me more.”

"That's not it at all," Lilah interjected, her voice rising with emotion. She was touched that Gerard was defending her despite feeling hurt. He was such a good man.

“Gerard, it's not like that. I do like you, a lot. You've always made me feel secure. I never believed any of those rumors online," she asserted confidently.

She could hear Gerard's breathing deepen on the other end of the phone. “Initially, I wanted to be independent. That's still true, but I do like you very much. Do you believe me?"

"I do. I know you do," Gerard responded, his voice now warm with a smile.

Lilah's face lit up with a smile. "Thanks for the coffee beans, and for clearing things up," she said with a light chuckle.

"Silly girl, don't mention it. That's the least I can do," Gerard responded affectionately.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Lilah queried, "What's the deal with Tracy anyway?"

“Tracy... she did visit my parents," Gerard replied, his tone chilling. “My family won't entertain her plans," he added firmly.

Meanwhile, at the Harris family residence, under the warm sunlight, Brenda was joyfully tending to her garden.

The serene moment was interrupted by a servant. "Mrs. Harris, Ms.

Rhodes is here."

"Laura?" Brenda was taken aback, not expecting Laura's visit, especially after the recent scandal.

"Both Tracy and Laura are here, and they're now discussing a marriage arrangement with Mr. Richard Harris in the living room," the servant informed.