He kept his composure and his voice courteous. “Would that be alright?"

"Absolutely, it's no trouble at all!" Lilah responded warmly. They had extended so much kindness toward her; she was more than happy to reciprocate.

Thus, the trio made their way to her suite. Gerard and Jerrold took the guest bedroom, while Lilah stayed in the master bedroom.

As bedtime approached, Jerrold scampered to Lilah, his face a picture of endearing innocence.

“Lilah, can I sleep with you tonight?" His cuteness was irresistible.

“Come here, Jerrold. Don't trouble Lilah," Gerard called out firmly, stepping out of the bathroom, his hair damp and slightly unruly, adding to his laid-back charm despite the sternness in his voice.

But Jerrold, hugging Lilah's leg, turned his large, doe-like eyes up to her, brimming with unshed tears, a picture of sorrow. Unable to resist, Lilah scooped him up into her arms. She reassured Gerard, "It's fine, really. Just for one night."

"If he causes any trouble, don't hesitate to send him back to the guest room," Gerard instructed, though his tone had softened somewhat.

"No, he's no trouble at all," Lilah affirmed with a smile.

Holding Jerrold, Lilah retreated to her room, oblivious to the smug glance the little boy threw back at his father.

Gerard's expression clouded over slightly.

Jerrold, with his soft warmth and the sweet, milky scent that clung to children, made for a comfortable companion through the night. Upon waking, Lilah was greeted by his adorable, cherubic face, his eyes open but his little body still, as he stared at the ceiling in contemplation.

Leaning over, she planted a Light kiss on his forehead. “Good morning, sweetie."

“Good morning," Jerrold murmured quietly.

“Were you awake for Long?"

“I just woke up."

“Alright, time to get freshened up then."

Following their morning routine, they shared breakfast before Lilah had to depart for the competition venue.

The statement the organizing committee had posted the previous night seemed to have altered the participants’ perception of her. Today, she was met with new, respectful greetings from the designers.

The competition itself was a marathon.

The initial phase stretched over an entire day, narrowing the field down to twenty contestants for the subsequent round.

As evening fell, the rankings were revealed.

Adaline had been on tenterhooks throughout, her mind occupied with the fear of Lilah undermining her. Discovering herself in twentieth place, she exhaled in relief, mixed with a twinge of irritation. Just twentieth? She couldn't help but suspect Lilah's behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Another designer from Phillips Jewelry, who had accompanied her, had just missed the cutoff, landing in twenty-first place and thus out of the competition.