Nina carefully turned the doorknob.

"Ma'am? Are you alright?" She didn't even wait for a reply before blurting out, "Sir walked out just now, still looking cold, but not nearly as angry. Miss Nolan tried to stop him, but he waved her off without even a glance."

Lilah closed her laptop, took the water Nina brought, and gave her a faint smile. "You don't like Verity, do you?"

Nina froze a little, realizing Verity was supposed to be the lady's friend. She looked a bit flustered. "No, ma'am, I just..."

"Relax," Lilah said gently, her tone soothing. "Because I don't like her either. Say whatever's on your mind."

Hearing that, Nina exhaled a breath and stopped holding back her words.

"Ma'am, I really think you should watch out for her. She keeps trying to get close to Mr. Wallace. Feels like she's got some shady intentions. If it weren't for the fact that sir clearly has no interest in other women, I wouldn't even wanna imagine..."

Realizing she might've overstepped, Nina trailed off nervously. "Sorry, ma'am, I shouldn't have said that."

She was still just a young girl-sometimes couldn't help speaking her mind.

Lilah let out a soft sigh. "Anything you see or hear, unless I say otherwise, stays between us. Got it?"

"Of course, ma'am. I'm here for you and only you-I'd never do anything that could hurt you!" Nina stood up straighter, attitude firm.

"Good. Then just help me keep an eye out."

Setting her teacup down, Lilah gestured for Nina to leave.

Not long after, the door opened again.

Verity walked in, wearing a forced smile on her face.

"Lilah, you're still up?" Her voice was unusually sweet and soft.

"Something you need?" Lilah didn't even bother to get up, just calmly looked at her.

According to Nina, Verity had stormed off all worked up after seeing Gabriel come out of her room-and clearly upset that he'd snubbed her.

Now, no doubt, she couldn't wait to figure out what Gabriel was doing in here.

Verity stiffened briefly at the cool expression on Lilah's face, that fake smile twitching at the corners of her lips.

She stepped forward and dropped a file folder on Lilah's table with a muted "thud," a barely noticeable flicker of irritation in her motion.

"Nothing big," Verity said breezily, pushing back a loose strand of hair. "It's just about Aiden-his meal plans and portions. It's all written down."

Lilah glanced at it. It was the updated list she'd asked for-a new menu she'd organized herself. Aiden liked it so much she'd even added a dessert he loved.

"Lilah, we've known each other a long time, and I get how you are. But emotionally, you're still kinda unstable. Kids are sensitive, and bad moods from adults really can affect them," Verity said with a soft, concerned look.

Lilah stared at her without a word. Verity just kept going, pretending not to notice.

"Back in college, the three of us-you, me, and Gabriel-we were all there. I worked so hard to get into that program, and then you just waltzed in. Then you guys left the country not long after meeting... came back already engaged. Sometimes I wonder, maybe I just didn't try hard enough... What do you think, Lilah?"

"Some things just aren't meant to be. Why do you act like the world owes you something?" Lilah said coolly. "And really, save the pity act. No one here is buying it."

Sure, the marriage had ties to their families' business interests. But Lilah remembered clearly-she and Gabriel had feelings for each other before things got formal. Verity butting in only ever stirred up trouble.

And now, hiding behind paperwork just to sneak in another jab? Classic move.Unfortunately for Verity, Lilah wasn't the overly sensitive pushover the old her might've been.

She'd battled her way through the business world, dealt with way worse provocations-this? Child's play. Her composure and patience could easily outmatch most people's.

"Well done, Lilah. Forcing your way back into a spot that never truly belonged to you. But you ever think maybe that's not great for a kid? Keep pretending all you want, but how long can you fake it?"

Verity's fake smile cracked, revealing something a little uglier beneath.

Lilah's stare was razor-sharp, like it could slice clean through the act. "That's rich. You reminding me of how you clawed your way up here? All while posing as my bestie just to sneak your way into the Wallace family? What was it? Working your way up from glorified nanny?"

"You-!" Verity's face went stark white.

"You're all fuming right now 'cause Gabriel swung by my room earlier, huh?" Lilah stayed calm, even gave a faint smile. "Too bad whatever you're thinking, it doesn't change the fact that I, Lilah, am Aiden's one and only mother-and Gabriel's legally wedded wife. That's never gonna change just 'cause you exist."

Verity looked like she'd implode, lips trembling, unable to get a word out.

"You think you'll keep sitting pretty on this throne forever? Mental institutions are where women like you end up. I'm waiting for the day they drag you off. Gabriel's never falling for a lunatic!"

Spitting out her bitter curse, Verity stormed off.

No matter what Lilah was like now, she couldn't shake her past-crazy would always cling to her like a label. Neither Gabriel nor the Wallaces would ever truly accept a ticking time bomb.

Only someone like Verity deserved to stand beside Gabriel.

The room now felt big and quiet with just Lilah left standing.

"Crazy woman?"

That was a first-hearing it straight from one of the people who'd driven the old her mad. The irony was just too much.

...

Aiden had his weekly early education class, a prep for kindergarten. Usually, the chores were left to the help, but today, Gabriel had brought him home himself.

Lilah was sitting in the garden and looked up just in time to see Gabriel step out with Aiden in his arms. The contrast of that soft, chubby little face against the dark blazer made Aiden look even more adorable.

Following close behind was Lance, juggling another armful of documents.

"Hi, Aiden," Lilah waved with a smile.

His head swiveled in every direction before locking on her. Eyes lit up, grin blooming instantly.

"Mommy!"

Aiden wriggled till Gabriel put him down, then his tiny feet carried him as fast as they could toward her.

Lilah stood and stepped forward, catching him mid-run.

Gabriel followed with long strides, eventually standing beside her.

He always carried that crisp, cold scent-just like the man himself. It got to her every time, pulling her into a haze she didn't like admitting.

Gabriel's dark eyes watched as the scene unfolded, his face calm and unreadable.

"Mom, my teacher said I was really smart today..." Aiden said it just above a whisper, cheeks slightly pink.

He'd been saving that line the whole way home.

Gabriel shot him a quick glance-hard to say if it was pride or something heavier.

"You little star," Lilah grinned, ruffling his hair and giving him a big thumbs-up.

Aiden beamed, lifting his own little thumb in return.

Gabriel and Lance stood to the side, almost invisible in the moment.

Lance blinked, surprised, and slowed his pace for a second.

A sharp look from Gabriel made him snap back to form, quickly heading back toward the villa.

Wow, never figured the boss and Mrs. Wallace would get along this well. Lilah didn't seem off the rails like the rumors said.

Guess the saying's true-women are full of surprises.

"You... why are you home this early today?" Lilah glanced at the time and blurted out, "Did you bring work with you?"

Gabriel gave a quiet "Mm." His expression remained unreadable, but he didn't seem as distant as usual.

Lilah was slightly taken aback. There was a rare flicker of surprise in her usually calm eyes.

The accusations she threw at him that day, full of anger and frustration...

Did he actually take them to heart?

Gabriel, who always put work first and practically lived at the office, now changing his routine?

But that barely-there sense of peace didn't last long.

"Aiden, you came back with Dad today?" came a sweet, honeyed voice from nearby. Lilah's gaze cooled as she looked up.

Verity walked over gracefully, obviously dressed to impress in a soft ivory knit dress and peachy makeup that made her look demure and gentle. Her practiced smile was flawless.

She clearly knew Gabriel's schedule in advance.

"Gabriel..." Verity's voice dripped with sugar and subtle excitement. "Aiden's got a craft project this afternoon. Since you're home early, how about doing it with him?"

An opportunity to get closer to Gabriel didn't come often, and Verity wasn't about to let it slip past.

Gabriel's eyes moved to his son, who was staring up at him with hope glowing on his small face.

There was no way he could say no to that look.

Just as he was about to nod, Aiden tugged on Lilah's hand, his eyes sparkling.

"Mom too! I want you and Dad to do it with me."

"Sure." Lilah couldn't resist her son's cuteness and agreed with a warm smile.

Verity's smile froze instantly, her eyes flashing with a quick, poisonous glint.

She's coming too?

This woman nearly hurt Aiden once-how could she still show her face?

"Alright, I'll head over in a bit," Gabriel said calmly, patting Aiden's head before turning toward the study-he clearly had unfinished work to get to.

Verity didn't care; the moment he said yes, a gleam lit up her face.

He'd definitely help out when they did the craft stuff.

That meant she'd get some alone time with him, even if just for a little.

Only... that annoying woman was tagging along too.

Verity frowned slightly and shot Lilah a side-eye full of disdain.

Just as Lilah finished telling the housekeeper to help Aiden change, Verity suddenly chimed in, "Lilah, I remember last time... didn't you almost cut Aiden by accident?"

"So, what are you trying to say?" Lilah responded coolly.

"Aiden's still a kid. Safety comes first, right? Maybe it's better if you just watch from the side today?" Verity suggested with fake concern.

"You're overthinking it, Miss Nolan. I'm perfectly sane. It's a big deal for our son-of course I'll be there with my husband."

Lilah's tone was firm and unapologetic. She knew exactly what that woman was getting at-trying to edge her out, as usual.

Verity looked like she'd just swallowed a lemon, her face pale with a twist of anger in her eyes.

Lilah, you lunatic, still trying to worm your way in.

Just wait-you'll mess up again in front of Gabriel.

Then let's see if he still backs you up.

She let out a cold snort, nose in the air as she turned sharply and walked off.

Lilah pressed a hand to her forehead, speechless.

Did Verity really think she still cared enough to get worked up?

Doing crafts with her kid-how is that a problem?

...

Once Aiden had changed,

they made their way to the kids' activity room."Aiden, come here. I've got everything ready," Verity called out warmly as she walked over.

Aiden subtly edged away-her perfume was seriously overwhelming. Wasn't she just supposed to help him with the handicraft? Why douse herself in perfume today?

Verity didn't catch his reaction. She was too busy fussing over her hair and fixing her look instead of getting started.

At last, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Verity spun excitedly toward the sound.

Her face dropped the second she saw who it was-Lilah.

Lilah had tied up her long hair and changed into a simple yet sharp outfit. Her chiseled features looked cold and flawless under the hallway lights, making Verity's mood instantly sour even more.

Lilah easily caught the shift in her expression and seemed rather entertained by it.

"So it hasn't started? Guess I came just in time," Lilah said with a pleasant smile.

"Aiden, come over here, let's fold th-" Verity started speaking while deliberately ignoring Lilah's presence.

But Aiden had already dashed to his mom like a little rocket, proudly holding up a golden ginkgo leaf in front of her. "Mom, look! Doesn't this look like a tiny boat? Can we make one?"

Lilah took the leaf, held it up to the light, and her face softened with a smile.

"It really does! You've got such a sharp eye. Alright, what could we use for the sail?" she asked gently, picking up a piece of blue paper to guide him.

They were now completely absorbed in their own world, mother and son, warm and close-completely leaving Verity out in the cold.

And watching it all from the side stung more than she expected.

Just when Verity opened her mouth to say something, Gabriel walked in. He went straight to the table, barely sparing her a glance.

"Gabriel," Verity greeted with her best effort to sound sweet.

He gave just a nod before focusing entirely on what Aiden was doing.

Verity drifted closer to them, trailing her thick perfume. "Aiden, let's build the craft together with Dad!"

His nose scrunched slightly.

Verity usually starts by showing the blueprint; what's with the sudden switch?

Aiden quietly moved behind Lilah again.

Verity's smile faltered mid-sentence. She forced herself to stay cheerful, desperately trying to draw their attention.

But Aiden wasn't going anywhere.

Stupid kid! she screamed internally, though her face stayed soft and teary, pretending to be hurt. "Gabriel, Aiden only wants his mom lately... Am I just not doing enough?"

She subtly reached for Gabriel's arm.

"As long as Aiden's happy, that's all that matters."

Gabriel glanced at her for less than a second, then calmly stepped over to Lilah, completely sidestepping her touch.

Like her little theatrics didn't even make it onto his radar.

Verity froze. That hurt expression turned into stunned disbelief.

Lilah was kneeling on the soft mat, the warm glow from the lights giving her profile a gentle outline. Her entire aura was calm, collected, and nurturing.

Gabriel couldn't tear his eyes from her-how carefully she held Aiden's hand, how her lashes cast soft shadows over her cheeks, how her smile flowed out so naturally. No pretending. No drama.

She looked up briefly, brushing a loose strand of hair away. And just for a moment, their eyes met.

Her delicate beauty caught him off guard, and he looked away before she could notice.

He hadn't seen Lilah like this before.

The dramatic, emotional version of her that used to echo in his mind-suddenly, it didn't weigh the same anymore.

For once, in those usually unreadable eyes of Gabriel, she was all he saw.

A piercing gaze locked onto her, almost tangible in its intensity.

Lilah instinctively looked up, catching Gabriel's eyes mid-air.

Only this time, his stare wasn't laced with its usual disdain.

"Aiden!"

Verity's shrill voice sliced through the moment, shattering the subtle tension like glass.

She yanked Aiden over, barely giving him time to react. Her voice carried an edge of impatience. "Craft time's done. Time for language practice. We're doing French today-how about I read the picture book with you?"

Lilah frowned. That wasn't part of today's schedule-Verity clearly threw that in on the spot, banking on her to trip up.

Aiden had been having fun and clearly wasn't too thrilled, but obediently set his things down.

"Mommy..." he gave Lilah's hand a reluctant tug.

That small act of clinging to his mother only made Verity's face tighten even further.

Lilah gently patted his hand, calming him before slowly standing up.

"Kids this age do get attached to their moms. But Verity, what's the rush?"

Verity crossed her arms, flashing a faint, smug smirk. "You're not wrong, Lilah. Since Aiden's not up for it, why don't you take over French practice today? I recall you've studied it before... right?"

She didn't believe for a second Lilah could speak proper French, let alone teach it. This was designed to humiliate her in front of Gabriel and Aiden.

Verity's lips curled in mockery.

Lilah, inwardly amused, kept her cool.

"Sure," she replied without missing a beat, her voice calm and crisp.

No hesitation. She gracefully sat back beside Aiden, movements collected and poised.

Verity blinked-clearly not the reaction she was expecting.

Then, with a tight smile, she stood aside, watching coldly.

Lilah went abroad and still didn't pick up French. Plus, she'd been unstable for years.

She only got into this house thanks to her family name. What did she have over her?

Let Gabriel see what a joke you really are.

Aiden watched her with wide eyes, admiration lighting up his face like a sparkler.

So Mommy knew French too?

"Let's read together, Aiden."

Lilah scooped him up and walked them both over to the little study desk.

Gabriel sat across the room on the couch-close enough to see, far enough to feel unreachable.

His face was unreadable, like always, never inviting anyone in.

Verity had wanted to sit next to him earlier, but thought better of it and stayed stiffly off to the side.

Lilah picked up a vividly illustrated children's book, flipped to a page, and began to read aloud.

Her French was flawless-smooth, clear, almost musical. Every word rolled off her tongue naturally.

As she read, she pointed to the drawings, explaining each one to Aiden in simple terms, using French that any kid could follow. Her tone was soft, her gaze focused.

The whole process was effortless, confident-she didn't stumble once.

The smug look on Verity's face froze. Her eyes went wide, like she'd seen a ghost.

Lilah was completely absorbed in the language.

She'd studied it seriously before. Despite not speaking it for years, the words still flowed.

Though oddly, right before she spoke, she'd felt a twinge of nervousness.

Maybe because Gabriel was watching her so intently...

His eyes, deep and unreadable, never left her for a second.He tilted his head slightly, as if fully immersed in the fluent French flowing from her lips, his gaze lingering between her calm profile and the quiet confidence playing at the corners of her mouth.

The lighting hit just right at this angle.

Lilah's updo was immaculate, a few playful strands resting by her ears.

Gabriel's throat moved as he swallowed unconsciously-his mind clearly elsewhere.

Verity stared at Lilah with clenched jaw, nearly breathing fire.

Since when did Lilah know French?

And speak it even better than her?

She could've sworn Lilah only knew a few basic words before...

But now she was speaking so smoothly it was impossible to deny.

Verity's eyes darted to Gabriel, whose expression stayed focused-making her stomach knot tighter.

Damn it! Lilah had been secretly learning French?

And she'd stupidly handed her the perfect stage on a silver platter?

Lilah soon wrapped up the makeshift lesson, closed the picture book with a smile, and gently ruffled Aiden's hair.

His little cheeks were flushed with excitement as he threw himself into her arms, eyes shining with admiration.

"Mama, you're amazing! Can you be the one to teach me French from now on?" His voice was soft but filled with eagerness.

"Of course, sweetheart. But you've got to promise Mommy you'll take it seriously, okay?"

Lilah replied warmly and turned to meet Gabriel's eyes. She smiled with quiet pride.

Gabriel didn't say a word, just kept looking at her intently.

Families like the Harts and Wallaces had known each other for generations. Over all those years, this was probably the first time he really saw Lilah.

He didn't dislike her, but he didn't care for her either. If it weren't for the arranged marriage, none of this would've even happened.

Verity snapped, barely able to keep her tone steady. "That's not a good idea. Aiden needs stable, consistent support to learn a language, and considering Lilah's mental state..."

The implication was obvious-she was suggesting Lilah could spiral at any moment.

But before she could finish, Gabriel cut her off.

"It's fine."

His focus never wavered from Lilah, the look in his eyes still holding a trace of admiration.

Verity froze as if someone had hit pause.

Did he really just say yes?

If more responsibility for Aiden kept going to Lilah, what would that mean for her?

And just as she was trying to make sense of it, Gabriel added casually, "The family birthday party's this weekend. If you want to come, just let Mr. Reed know."

The words hit like thunder, leaving not only Verity stunned but also catching Lilah slightly off guard.

"You're really coming to the party with me, Mama?" Aiden cheered, hugging her tightly.

Since he could remember, his mom had never once gone back to the family estate with him.

Now that his dad finally agreed, his joy felt so big it almost shimmered.

The picture of mother and child, so openly happy, felt like a slap in the face.

Verity bit into her lip so hard she tasted blood.

What had gotten into Gabriel? Why would he suddenly let Lilah go to the estate?

Lilah gently responded to Aiden's happiness.

"Alright then, let's pick out a sharp little suit for you, hmm?"

"Lilah, since when do you speak French?" Verity suddenly threw out coldly. "You've been hiding it this whole time?"

Lilah looked right at her, calm and composed. "Yeah, seems like there's quite a lot I haven't told you."

"Who knows, maybe there's more to come?"

With that, she took Aiden's hand and walked off.

Verity stood frozen, fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms.

Lilah, just wait.

You're walking straight into a trap at that party.

When you lose it in front of the whole Wallace family and every big shot in town...

No one's gonna forget.