“Nothing of importance. I thought we might stroll around a bit. Shall we?"

"Sounds delightful!"

Adaline had her heart set on a new purse, and she knew just the mall to visit for it.

Post-purchase, Adaline was on cloud nine, feeling every bit the princess she was. Iker asked curiously, “Anything else you got your eyes on?"

“How about we explore that jewelry shop?" Adaline suggested, pointing out a store. Upon entering, they encountered an elegant figure deeply engrossed in the array of jewelry.

It was Lilah.

“Lilah?"

Abruptly, a voice echoed from behind.

Lilah swiveled, feeling a stroke of misfortune at bumping into this pair during a leisurely shopping spree. Her gaze frosted over upon sighting Iker, and she migrated to a different section of the jewelry store.

Adaline caught the deliberate evasion, interpreting it as Lilah's apprehension in confronting her and Iker.

With a surge of confidence, Adaline approached Lilah. "Shopping solo, Lilah? Iker made a special trip just to see me today. He's been spoiling me with all these gifts. Hasn't Mr. Harris dropped by to visit you?"

"Really? He's quite the gentleman then," Lilah responded, her eyes shifting to Iker as she let out a mild laugh. "I caught wind of Mr. Lewis getting the boot from Starlight Mansion. What's the story there?"

Iker's face betrayed his emotions. After his visit to Lilah, he had found himself ousted from Starlight Mansion that very night. He didn't have to ponder long to figure it was Gerard's doing.

However, Adaline was in the dark, casting a puzzled look at Iker.

“I simply found Starlight Mansion not up to par, so I opted for a villa," Iker managed to say, although his words lacked conviction.

After all, Starlight Mansion was renowned as the pinnacle of luxury in all of Eleywood, emblematic of true social stature. What could possibly rival its houses?

Adaline wasn't entirely convinced. Lilah continued, "Really? Maybe in the future, avoid pestering other women. You wouldn't want to be thrown out again, would you?"

Her words were direct, causing Adaline's brow to furrow. Then, a realization dawned on her, transforming her expression completely.

“Iker, you visited her?"

He felt the discomfort but retorted coldly, “I had my reasons for seeing you, Lilah. Don't get ahead of yourself!"

"That's fortunate. I wouldn't be able to handle your advances anyway."

Lilah's words dripped with scorn.

Adaline hadn't anticipated this clandestine meeting behind her back, and rage consumed her. She lunged forward, attempting to slap Lilah.

“How dare you, Lilah? Trying to lure Iker away?"