There was no reply from the elders, just a steady gaze.

The others were puzzled.

Effie whispered, "Is Lilah too stunning? They look shook."

Gerard gave Lilah a glance, and then addressed the elderly duo. "Mr. Rhodes, Mrs. Rhodes."

"Oh, Gerard. It's been a while."

Astrid, snapping back to reality, still couldn't take her eyes off Lilah. Approaching her, she asked in a shaky voice, “My dear, what's your name again?"

Under the intense scrutiny, Lilah felt a bit uneasy but maintained her composure. “I'm Lilah Phillips."

"Lilah..

When Astrid uttered the name, sorrow filled her eyes. Braden snapped out of it too and said to Lilah, “Sorry, kiddo. You're the spitting image of our eldest daughter. It caught us off guard."

Eldest daughter? The classy lady from the Rhodes family, Joselyn?

The vibe turned a bit somber, as everyone knew what went down with Joselyn.

Laura jumped in, “They are both good-looking; good-looking folks tend to resemble each other. Grandpa, Grandma, is dinner ready?"

“It's ready. We were waiting for you. You must be hungry. Come and eat," Astrid invited.

Soon, Gerard got a message from Walter.

Walter asked where they were having dinner tonight.

To make it to the evening meal, he had powered through all his tasks in one afternoon.

Pleased with his efficiency, Gerard informed him that they were at the Rhodes family's old mansion.

Walter was taken aback. “Why'd you go there? Did my cousin and Lilah clash again?"

Gerard gave a quick explanation.

"Astrid is back? I'll be there in a jiffy."

Walter's grandmother happened to be Laura's grandmother's little sister.

Right now, they were just chilling, having their dinner. Gerard helped Lilah with the food and Laura was doing the same.

Astrid had dished out many different dishes, saying, “Dig in.

Nowadays, all the youngsters are into staying skinny but I reckon it's better to be chubby and healthy."