Effie was interested. "Really? I'll be waiting then," she said with a hint of hope. “My sensitive skin has improved, but it still gets red easily."

She explained her lifelong struggle with sensitive skin, exacerbated by late nights spent filming dramas, making perfect skin an elusive dream.

Lilah assured her, "This product works wonders. Give it a week."

Effie nodded, grateful for the suggestion.

Later, Walter returned and sat close to Effie, making her tense up.

His masculine scent reached her nostrils.

"What's wrong?" Walter asked, concerned by her reaction.

Effie, trying to maintain her composure, shook her head and focused on her meal.

Gradually, she relaxed and joined in the conversation with Lilah, her laughter returning.

As the evening wound down, Lilah and Gerard departed, leaving Walter to drive Effie home. He sensed her tension and attempted to ease it with a light smile. "Are you feeling uneasy? Don't worry, I won't cross any lines."

Effie, caught off guard, quickly said, "No, I-I was just thinking about the shooting schedule."

“That's good to hear," Walter replied, his smile genuine.

During the drive, he engaged her in casual conversation. Upon arrival at her place, Walter leaned over to unfasten her seatbelt, inadvertently bringing his scent closer. The familiar fragrance of his shower gel made Effie's face flush with warmth once again.

Effie swiftly opened the car door and stepped out, not uttering a word of gratitude.

Walter gazed after her, his head shaking slightly, a sense of helplessness evident in his demeanor.

Back at home, Effie slumped against the door, her hands covering her face in frustration. “What's happening?" she muttered, bewildered by the day's events and her changing perceptions of Walter. “Why does he seem so different now?"

The idea that she might harbor feelings for Walter crossed her mind, but she dismissed it almost immediately.

They were merely friends, nothing more. Seeking solace, Effie hastily read through a few pages of the script, trying to soothe her unsettled emotions.

Both Gerard and Lilah took off their disguises and changed back into their clothes before heading back home.

Jerrold had gone to the old mansion, so they were the only ones at the apartment tonight.

Sitting on the sofa, Lilah felt a little embarrassed for some reason.

A moment later, she heard a whisper in her ear.

“Babe," Gerard murmured, gently wrapping his arms around her waist and sucking in her earlobe. A tingling sensation spread through Lilah's body and she couldn't help but shudder.

Gerard switched to kissing her, from her cheek down to her attractive lips. Before long, their breaths quickened and they both fell on the sofa.