After settling the bill for the fried chicken, Lilah turned to call Jerrold and leave, only to be taken aback as she realized he had vanished.

Startled, she swiftly scanned the area and spotted Jerrold a short distance away, being reprimanded by a woman.

Hastening toward them, Lilah observed the woman pointing accusingly at Jerrold and hurling insults. “I've never seen such a misbehaved child. I don't know what kind of parents could cultivate such a child."

As the onlookers witnessed the evolving conflict, they became abuzz with whispers and curious speculations.

"What's going on?"

"It appears to be a dispute between two children, with that woman seeking justice for her own."

“Why is she using such language? Isn't it disrespectful to speak ill of someone's parents Like that?"

Lilah positioned herself defensively beside Jerrold, fixing a steely gaze on the woman before her. She responded coldly, “I am this child's mother. What seems to be the issue? Tell me what happened."

"So you're the mother of this despicable child? Well, your out-of-control son has beaten up my son. What do you intend to do about it?" the woman accused.

Observing the marks on Jerrold's face and feeling the palpable tension in the air, Lilah pieced together the events that had unfolded.

With a tender gesture, she inclined her head to console Jerrold and inquired softly, “Jerrold, please tell me what happened."

“That boy snatched Catherine's cotton candy. I asked him to give it back to Catherine, but he not only refused but also punched me, threw the candy on the ground, and stomped on it. That's why I hit him," Jerrold explained, recounting the whole story.

Lilah's jaw tightened, her posture straightened, and she locked eyes with the woman. "My son informed me that yours initiated the altercation by striking him first. He merely defended himself. I see no need for further action on my part.”

If her son was in the wrong, Lilah would have offered an apology.

Convinced that her son had engaged in the conflict to uphold justice, she firmly believed that his actions were justified and morally right.

When the woman heard Lilah's refusal to take responsibility, she glared at them both with disdain. "So typical, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Open your eyes and tell me whose child has been hurt the most. Is it your son or mine? Unless you offer a resolution, you won't be leaving this establishment. You'll see what happens when you cross me," the woman shouted.

"Your son threw the first punch. Mine was merely defending himself.

Without understanding the full situation, you insist my son attacked yours. Are you truly that oblivious, or do you find distinguishing between right and wrong challenging? Perhaps that explains your son's arrogance," Lilah countered sharply.

The woman continued her threats. “What my son is or isn't is not your concern. The fact remains that your son assaulted mine. Unless you offer an apology and compensation, leaving won't be an option. I will ensure your existence in this city becomes unbearable. Demand your son to apologize immediately."

"Absolutely not! My son is not at fault. There is no reason for him to apologize," Lilah stated firmly, her tone icy with resolve.

"You're asking for it, lady. I'll give you one last chance. Get your son to kneel and beg me, and I'll consider whether or not to pursue this. Otherwise..."

Before she could finish her threat, Lilah cut her off, resolute. "No! He did the right thing!"

Lilah looked at Jerrold with affection and said, "Jerrold, you've behaved so well today. I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Jerrold nodded with a serious expression.