Matthew fretted.

Helga, however, remained indifferent. “Darling, our Adaline is in the hospital suffering. How can you still be concerned about that? Even if Mr. Harris takes offense, he's Lilah's boyfriend. Would he really act against the Phillips family?”

Despite the logic in her words, Matthew couldn't shake his apprehension, Once the bandaging was finished, Helga hurried in to console her daughter. Adaline's eyes were puffy from weeping, her distress stemming not just from physical pain but also from deep humiliation.

“Mom, Lilah must have poisoned Mr. Harris against me. Why else would he reject me so vehemently?" Adaline couldn't accept that Gerard had no interest in her.

“Absolutely, it's all her doing. She's always been spiteful," Helga concurred, tears welling in her eyes as she observed her visibly distraught daughter.

"Lilah's wary of me because she fears I'll snatch Gerard from her.

Well, I will do just that!" A fierce resolve to win over Gerard ignited in Adaline's eyes.

Helga caressed her hair soothingly. “First, Adaline, you need to recover."

Adaline was confined to the hospital. On the following day, Iker paid a visit.

She was in the middle of cursing Lilah when she heard the approaching footsteps. Assuming it signaled her father's arrival, Adaline was taken aback to see Iker instead. She swiftly recomposed herself, adopting a frail demeanor. “Iker, you came."

“Yes, how are you feeling?" Iker's voice carried concern, though his face was impassive.

"The pain is unbearable, and I'm bruised all over. I can't fathom why Lilah harbors such animosity toward me. She even pushed me down the stairs," Adaline lamented, her voice laced with sorrow.

Iker bristled with anger. "Seriously? How could she be so cruel!"

"Do you believe she still holds a grudge?" Adaline inquired.

"I'm positive. She's that petty," Iker remarked disdainfully, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Her behavior is utterly reprehensible.”

"Yes, Iker."

Adaline felt a surge of victory, sensing the widening rift between Iker and Lilah. But in the next instant...

Smack!

A slap struck Adaline's face, rendering her speechless. Helga, standing nearby, was equally astounded.

Iker's expression transformed into one of contempt as he glared at Adaline. "Adaline, your duplicity and spite know no bounds. You always find a way to cast Lilah as the villain. How could I have ever fallen for your act?"

Adaline, dumbfounded, struggled to comprehend. “Iker, what are you talking about?"

“What do you think? You're fully aware of your own manipulations," he retorted, iciness permeating his tone.

Confronted with his steely exterior, Adaline's heart faltered, and she quickly countered, “Iker, has someone been filling your head with lies?"

"The only one adept at spinning lies is you, Adaline! You're straight up evil!" he declared, his voice steeped in disgust.