Effie frowned, the thought of the final looming over her. "We need to create our own song for the final. I'm clueless about songwriting."

Her academic struggles had pushed her toward a career in entertainment.

“Lilah, you wouldn't happen to know how to write songs, would you?"

Effie asked, her eyes filled with hope.

From the sidelines, Gerard murmured, "You shouldn't always rely on your sister-in-law."

Effie's spirits fell, and she muttered in a disappointed voice, "Okay..."

"Don't worry about it. Draft something, and I'll help you refine it,"

Lilah offered.

"Really? Thank you!" Effie's mood lifted instantly.

While Gerard and Jerrold attended to Lilah, Effie playfully teased Jerrold, “How come you're not serving me too?"

Before Jerrold could respond, Walter offered Effie a sparerib.

Jerrold, looking adorably smug, quipped, "Seems you've got your own helper, Aunt."

Effie caught Walter's wink and felt a flutter in her heart.

This man was definitely flirting. His charm had captivated many before, and now Effie felt her own pulse quicken. Taking a deep breath, she resolved not to fall for his allure too easily.

Post-dinner, Lilah and Gerard decided to head home.

Feeling the need to walk off their meal, Gerard suggested a stroll through the mall, but Lilah hesitated, wary of the crowds and potential recognition.

Recalling an embarrassing past experience of pretending to be a lady, Gerard quickly proposed an alternative. “There's a quiet street nearby. Let's head there."

Lilah agreed, and they ventured onto the tranquil road.

As the family of three walked, Lilah held Jerrold's hand, noticing how he seemed to have grown taller, a tender look in her eyes.

Memories of her time in Mirello surfaced, along with the guilt of not protecting her child. Ruby's words echoed in her mind, hinting at others involved in the scheme.

A flicker of concern crossed Lilah's face. Who was the person behind Ruby?

Ahead, a woman emerged from a shop, flanked by bodyguards. Catching sight of them, she paused.

"Mr. Harris."

"Miss Morris," Gerard responded, his voice tinged with coolness.

“I didn't expect our paths to cross here. There's a detail about our partnership I intended to discuss over the phone, but since we've met, I might as well address it now." Karol approached Gerard with purpose.

Her attire screamed luxury, her presence impossible to overlook. When she stood beside Gerard, there was an odd sense of compatibility.

She ignored Lilah and Jerrold completely, her gaze fixed solely on Gerard as if they were alone.

As Gerard opened his mouth to respond, Karol pressed on. "I think—"

"I'm sorry, I'm off the clock," Gerard cut in sharply.

Karol seemed taken aback, unaccustomed to such boundaries, especially from their kind, who often worked relentlessly.

But then, understanding dawned upon her as she glanced at Lilah and offered a thinly veiled smile. "It appears you're savoring life."

Gerard, holding Lilah's hand firmly, replied, “We work to enjoy life, indeed."

He then turned to Lilah, his eyes softening with affection. “And my work is not just about enjoyment, but about providing a better life for my family."