Gabriel stared silently at the woman crying in front of him, a flicker of hesitation showing in his deep eyes.

His lips moved slightly but no sound came out-he seemed to hesitate.

Noticing this subtle shift, Lilah felt a spark of hope surge in her chest.

She jumped on the chance before it slipped away, dropping her gaze and speaking gently, "Gabriel, I know I messed up before, I wasn't thinking clearly... but this time, it really wasn't me."

Her eyes darted toward the uneasy maid, and the momentary vulnerability in her tone turned razor sharp.

"You sure no one else saw anything besides you?"

The maid instantly paled, cold sweat dripping down her temples.

"I... I..."

Her lips trembled, and her eyes darted around the floor, too scared to meet anyone's gaze.

"Enough," Gabriel's voice cut in, low and steady.

There was a flicker of surrender in his eyes, one even he didn't notice.

"This ends here. Lilah, go get some rest."

The weight in Lilah's heart finally lifted-she'd played her cards right.

Gabriel was starting to doubt. He wasn't sticking to just one side anymore.

She quietly murmured an "okay," still looking frail, and turned toward the stairs.

Just as she turned her back to him, she paused like she'd just remembered something, then said casually, "And... about the divorce?"

Behind her, silence stretched on. Her heartbeat picked up slightly.

Finally, Gabriel answered, "We'll talk about it later."

Those simple words hit her like music to her ears.

The axe of divorce? Shelved for now.

She held the stair railing, moving up with feigned exhaustion but genuine urgency.

But the moment she stepped onto the hallway, a slender figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking her path.

It was Verity, her face full of undisguised animosity.

"Rough day, huh? You look wiped. Lilah, you've dragged this out for three years. Be smart and leave before you're kicked out. That'd be a real mess, wouldn't it?"

"Oh? Funny thing is... someone's been trying to butter him up for three years too, and guess what? Still irrelevant."

Lilah tilted her head, her cold gaze slowly scanning Verity from head to toe like she was just a cheap prop in the wrong room.

One sentence-and Verity's smug smile collapsed.

Her lips tightened, her face turned pale, and her frustration boiled over. "Why are you looking at me like that? Everyone knows you're mentally unstable. Gabriel gave up on you ages ago. Why don't you pack up already-?"

But her forced arrogance was crumbling fast.

Lilah cut in, voice calm and slow, "Sorry to disappoint you. Gabriel just told me... we'll revisit the divorce. Later."

She paused, watching Verity freeze mid-breath-then let a faint, satisfied smile bloom.

"As long as I'm still here in the Wallace home, you're nothing more than a maid."

"You think you can weasel into this spot? Please. Not everyone gets to fantasize about being Mrs. Wallace."

With that, she turned, gripped the door handle, and shut it firmly behind her without sparing another glance.

"Bang!"

Verity stood there, face dark like a storm cloud, biting her lower lip so hard it almost bled.

That bitch...

She couldn't waste more time.

Lilah, just wait.

Lilah opened her eyes, got out of bed, and walked to the window for a look outside.

Almost all the faces cleaning the yard were unfamiliar.

She instantly got the message.

Gabriel moved faster than she'd expected.

After getting cleaned up, she had just settled into the single couch when there was a soft knock at the door.

A girl in her early twenties stepped in, her spotless maid uniform practically shouting "new hire." She carried a tray with a steaming cup of coffee, her eyes cautious.

"Ma'am, your coffee," she said, voice light but laced with nervousness.

Lilah didn't take the cup right away.

Instead, she watched the girl, her calm gaze somehow pressing.

The girl stiffened under the gaze, fingers tensing slightly around the tray.

"What's your name?" Lilah spoke evenly.

"Nina Carter."

"Scared of me?"

"No, not at all, ma'am..." Nina's eyes dropped to the floor.

"Know why the last staff got replaced?"

Lilah walked slowly back to the couch. Nina followed, hearing the question hang in the air.

Nina blinked, then nodded.

"The last maid wasn't careful with her duties."

"She talked too much." Lilah's voice was flat. "If you do your job right, I won't treat you poorly. But I can't stand betrayal. If I find out you're taking orders from someone else... let's just say getting fired will be the least of your worries."

"Yes, ma'am. I would never do that!"

Nina's hand trembled a little, her already pale face turning whiter.

Definitely green. Way too young and easy to read.

Lilah sighed. "Just leave the coffee. Next time, take it straight to the dining room."

"Yes, ma'am."

Later, dressed and ready, Lilah made her way to the dining room.

A long white linen-covered table stretched before her. Verity, dressed in a soft yellow dress, sat right beside Gabriel's usual spot, gently feeding Aiden spoonfuls of oatmeal.

The moment Lilah entered, Verity's hand paused ever so slightly.

Then she smiled.

Lilah stared her down, eyes cold.

A nanny eating at the family table – all because she's 'looking after' Aiden.

Now that Gabriel wasn't around, she dared to sit right next to the head seat, acting like she owned the place.

"Lilah, you're here. Perfect, I have something to tell you," Verity said sweetly.

Lilah sat directly across from her, not bothering to hide her attitude.

Let's see what trick she has up her sleeve today.

"Go ahead," she said, casually beginning her meal.

Verity subtly pulled Aiden closer, fingers brushing over his hair like a subtle claim. "Gabriel specifically asked me to stay close to Aiden. He thinks a familiar face is better for the little one right now."

"The doctor's here today for your psych evaluation. So until your recovery begins, Aiden won't be going anywhere with you."

"Oh? So you're gonna take him every day?"

Lilah let out a cold chuckle.

"Of course. You need to focus on getting better," Verity replied with clear satisfaction. "It's what Gabriel wants... He's just worried you might accidentally hurt the kid."

She finished, waiting for a reaction.

Lilah didn't bother replying. Her expression didn't even flicker.

She calmly sliced her bacon, didn't even look her way once.

That so-called psych evaluation didn't fool her-just another front.

No matter what the doctor found, she knew exactly the kind of info that would end up on Gabriel's desk.

Lilah took a wild guess at how long Verity could keep her cool, then cut straight to the point before she even spoke.

"A mental health evaluation, huh?"

She looked Verity dead in the eye and gave a small smile. "Sure, why not."

Verity stole a glance at Aiden and put down her spoon with fake warmth. "Really? Lilah, the doctor's already here-waiting in the infirmary. Gabriel doesn't have much work today. He'll be back soon, just in time to see the results."

"Sounds good to me," Lilah replied without hesitation.

Verity blinked, clearly not expecting her to be this cooperative. She hesitated. "You're actually agreeing?"

Lilah's tone was calm, a little too calm. "Yep. If we're not getting divorced, then I should probably take care of my 'issues,' right?"

This was the same dirty trick Verity had pulled on the original Lilah. Of course, she wasn't going to back down now.

"Great, Lilah. I'll get everything set up."

With a bright smile, Verity waved at a servant to escort Aiden out, then hurried off.

...

Outside the medical room, Lilah paused for a beat before gently pushing the door open.

A white-coat-clad psychiatrist sat behind a desk, clearly distracted.

Verity perched prettily on a single-seat couch, makeup flawless as always.

"Lilah, you're here!" she greeted enthusiastically, standing up. "Come on in, the doctor's waiting for you. Don't worry, it's routine-won't take long."

Lilah's eyes landed on both of them; the doctor adjusted his glasses, nervous.

Exactly the setup she'd expected.

She smiled inwardly but kept a calm front that made Verity look almost overeager by comparison.

Lilah sat down gracefully, every move smooth and unbothered.

"Thanks," she nodded to the doctor but then turned to Verity. "Shouldn't you step out?"

That wiped the grin off Verity's face. "Sorry, what?"

Lilah leaned forward slightly, resting her folded hands on her knees. "Mental evaluations are pretty personal, you know? Outsiders aren't supposed to be here. Kind of a basic rule."

She paused, then added with a sharper edge, "Unless, of course, you think you're qualified to stay and sway the doctor's opinion?"

Every word was a blow to the gut. Verity's smile faltered instantly. She hadn't predicted that Lilah would suddenly go on the offensive-or hold her ground so confidently in front of the doctor.

Caught in the middle, the doctor started sweating. He stammered, trying to defuse the tension. "Mrs. Wallace, Miss Nolan is just worried about you. Having someone familiar nearby could help you relax during the session..."

"Worried?" Lilah chuckled, soft but icy.

"As a professional, you'd know better than anyone-anything that might skew the evaluation's objectivity should be avoided."

The doctor went totally silent. It hit too close to home for him to argue.

Verity forced a calm tone. "Lilah, I just thought maybe if something went wrong, I-"

"What, exactly, do you mean by 'wrong'?" Lilah cut in sharply. "I'm perfectly fine. In fact, between us two, you're the one acting a little... off."

Just when the room's tension reached unbearable levels-

Knock, knock, knock.

Rhythmic, steady, and loud.

The door opened from the outside.

Gabriel stepped in-classic dark suit, poker face on point.

Behind him followed a quiet Nina, head lowered.

And at that moment, the corner of Lilah's mouth curled up ever so slightly.Before stepping in, she had already told Nina to quietly inform Gabriel.

This was clearly a trap Verity had set-and there was no way Lilah was walking into it unprepared.

No matter how she answered, as long as Gabriel got that fake evaluation, he'd always think she was mentally unstable. That seed of doubt would grow permanent.

Verity was pulling the same old tricks, trying to brand her a lunatic.

Gabriel's eyes landed on Lilah's face and paused there for a beat.

No questions. No demands for explanations.

He spoke, his voice calm but commanding, with zero room for debate: "Verity, leave."

Those three words slammed into Verity like a thunderclap.

All the color drained from her face.

She stared at him, dumbfounded, as if searching for something to say.

But under Gabriel's ice-cold gaze, the words died in her throat.

"Gabriel, I..." she managed, voice cracking.

"Out," he repeated, tone flat as water. "Don't make me say it a third time."

Biting her lower lip so hard it nearly bled, Verity shot Lilah a venomous glare.

But in the end, defeated and seething, she dragged her feet toward the door and slipped out.

As the door clicked shut, the room quieted, leaving just the three of them inside.

Lilah remained perfectly composed, not the slightest ripple on her expression, like that whole messy clash had never happened.

The psychiatrist looked deeply uncomfortable, practically sweating bullets.

"Mr. Wallace..." he stammered.

"Start," Gabriel said without even glancing at him, sinking into the single armchair with clear intent to observe every second.

"Y-yes, of course!" the doctor scrambled to respond, all pretense gone.

He cleared his throat and began the standard procedure, careful with every question like he was walking on broken glass.

Lilah sat tall in her seat, posture impeccable.

She answered confidently, word for word, like she had nothing to hide and absolutely everything under control.

Gabriel's watchful gaze shifted-no longer just observing, but genuinely listening, and then... something else.

This woman sitting in front of him-sharp, steady, completely lucid. Her voice calm, her thoughts precise. There was undeniable strength in her presence.

Time passed almost unnoticed with Lilah speaking so fluidly.

When the final question was done, silence fell.

The doctor exhaled in relief, his whole demeanor easing. There was even a flicker of respect in his expression.

"Mr. Wallace, the evaluation is complete. Based on initial analysis, your wife shows no signs of any mental illness."

Gabriel blinked, almost startled.

Had he just zoned out... watching her?

"Alright." His reply came low and cool, mask sliding back on as he stood. His eyes briefly swept across Lilah's calm features, unreadable again. "Make sure the report's done quickly."

"Yes, Mr. Wallace!" the doctor responded promptly.

Just outside, Verity hadn't walked far. She was glued to the door, straining to catch what was being said.

The second she heard the words "no signs of illness," it hit her like a truck.

She'd plotted every step-and Lilah just walked right through it like it was nothing.

Gabriel didn't doubt her. Worse-he listened to her.

Why?!

She, Verity, had been crawling at Gabriel's feet for years, giving everything, swallowing her pride for him.

And now this crazy woman got his trust just like that?

Shaking with rage, she curled her hands into tight fists, nails digging into her palms.

If you're standing in my way... don't blame me for what happens next.

Her eyes turned cold and deadly, full of malice.

The door to the medical room clicked shut behind them as Gabriel and Lilah stepped out together.

Relief still lingered in Lilah's chest-she'd taken a total gamble by asking Nina to find Gabriel. It was a shot in the dark.

But, thank God, he'd shown up.

Just when she thought she'd return to her room alone, a calm and firm voice spoke up behind her.

"Have dinner with me tonight."

Gabriel stood partly in shadow, tone more like a command than a request.

Lilah hesitated for half a second, pretending to be a little surprised before replying softly, "Okay."

By evening, the warm golden light from the chandelier bathed the dining room in a peaceful glow.

Gabriel sat at the head of the table, the top button of his shirt undone, rare hints of ease in his posture.

Right beside him, a neatly set place-specifically prepared for Lilah.

Verity arrived with Aiden in tow. The sight of Lilah already at the table made her face fall fast. The sweet smile she kept plastered on her face faltered, eyes swirling with disbelief and frustration.

Seriously? How could that lunatic suddenly be back like this?

Lilah saw every bit of Verity's panic, slid into her seat with calm poise, and lifted her gaze just enough to throw a faint, satisfied smile.

That silent little smirk lit Verity's fuse. Her face turned dark, and every bite of food tasted like cardboard.

Gabriel, meanwhile, quietly watched Lilah.

He had assumed she'd been faking everything, like she used to-but this morning's tests? Her calm demeanor? Maybe she really was doing better.

Lilah gently placed a shrimp into Aiden's bowl, completely natural in her movements.

Aiden blinked in surprise and whispered, "Thanks... Mom."

Wait, did he just say... Mom?

Lilah stiffened, emotions crashing in waves inside her.

The past Lilah had let Verity poison her thoughts for years and totally neglected the child she gave birth to. Yet this tiny boy-without hesitation or blame-still chose to reach out to her.

Just that one word, soft as it was, shattered what little restraint Verity had left.

That little brat!

Why?!

Clang-

The fork slipped from Verity's hand and dropped with a loud clatter, leaving a greasy mark on the tablecloth.

Soup splashed onto her silk sleeve, soaking through in a dark, ugly blotch.

"Ah..." She looked like someone just snapped her out of a trance, eyes glistening with tears as she turned to the man of the house. "Gabriel, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-I'll clean it up right away..."

Gabriel's brows twitched slightly.

He didn't even glance at her. "Mm," he replied flatly.

Toward the end of the meal, Mr. Reed stepped up beside Gabriel quietly and spoke with folded hands, "Sir, the estate called. Madam Wallace's birthday banquet is this weekend. They ask that you and Master Aiden make sure to attend."

Gabriel nodded. "Got it."

Right as the words left his mouth, Verity leaned forward slightly, her face full of concern. "It'll be crowded and noisy at the party. Aiden will need someone with him. Gabriel, if I go along, I can help look after-"

She was practically begging, like being the only one qualified was her whole pitch.

Lilah couldn't help it-she set her utensils down and looked up, her voice cool. "You want to go? Did you forget who you are? What are you treating me as-the invisible mother?"

"I-I just thought it'd be better for Aiden," Verity said with a forced smile.

"Since when does the Wallace family let a nanny walk in like she owns the place at a private family gathering?"

"You-"Verity's face turned pale, then flushed red, her expression shifting rapidly. Meanwhile, Lilah looked at Gabriel, tears welling in her eyes. "Gabriel, I've made a lot of mistakes in the past. I was blind. But I want to make things right, to apologize to your family. Please, give me a chance."

Her voice was soft, almost pleading, with genuine remorse in her tone.

Gabriel remained silent, his eyes cold as if trying to decipher just how sincere she really was.

Verity's lips curled into a mocking smile-completely unbothered, borderline amused.

As if Lilah still had the guts to face the Wallaces after what she pulled.

Seriously, what gave her the nerve to think she belonged at that dinner?

Just then, a soft voice broke the heavy silence.

"Daddy..." Aiden, who'd been aimlessly stirring his dessert with a spoon, suddenly looked up. "Can Mommy come with us to see Grandpa and Grandma?"

Gabriel's tapping fingers froze mid-motion, his gaze locking onto his son's innocent face.

"Aiden," he said after a pause, his voice low, "you want your mom to come?"

Aiden nodded hard. His little face scrunched up in determination, filled with hope.

That moment, seeing her son speak up, hit Lilah like a wave. Her heart tightened painfully but also melted a little.

The original Lilah had failed as a mother-too exhausted fighting Verity to even be present for her own child.

But despite it all, Aiden forgave her. He wanted her.

That was more than she ever hoped for. No matter what, she was more attached to him than ever.

"You don't want me to go with you instead?" Verity asked quickly, her voice tinged with panic.

Aiden didn't answer. He dropped his head and went back to fiddling with his dessert.

Verity clenched her jaw so hard it ached. Her nails dug into her palm.

Ungrateful brat. Three years of effort for what? Just to lose to a woman like Lilah coming back from the brink?

Dinner wrapped up under a tense layer of unspoken emotions.

Gabriel stood up first, glancing at his son. "Time for our bedtime reading."

Without hesitation, Aiden slipped off his seat and trotted after him. As he passed Lilah, he paused-just a fraction-then glanced up at her.

She gave him a warm, comforting smile.

Only then did he run after his father into the hallway.

Lilah knew that silence wasn't rejection-it was Gabriel thinking things through.

Pushing now would only backfire.

She pulled herself together and turned toward the stairs.

The sharp tap of heels suddenly echoed behind her.

"Lilah! Wait!"

She didn't even flinch, just kept walking.

But Verity caught up in a few steps, reaching out to block her path.

"Lilah, can we please talk?" Her tone softened, practically begging. "I was just worried about Aiden, I didn't mean to hurt you. We've known each other for years-do we really have to go to war over this?"

"War?" Lilah finally stopped, slowly turning.

"You bribed the doctor to label me unstable. That's your idea of a misunderstanding?"

Verity's expression froze in place.

No, it wasn't a misunderstanding. She never thought Lilah was worthy of being Mrs. Wallace.

Lilah's voice dropped, cold as ice and sharp enough to cut. "Verity, save your pitiful tricks. We're not having a spat-we've always been enemies."

"You'll never be anything in the Wallace family. So watch yourself."