“From now on, we're done!" Iker's voice was cold and unyielding.

"What?" Adaline's voice trembled with disbelief.

Helga, though shocked, tried to mediate the situation. “Iker, let's talk this through. Adaline has been fond of you for so many years.

Why the sudden desire to end things?"

Adaline's eyes brimmed with tears. Her heart was torn. She had tried to allure Gerard but hadn't intended to lose Iker in the process.

Without a word, Iker played a recording on his phone.

"Mr. Harris, I've been a fan for so long..."

Adaline's voice, unmistakable and betraying, filled the room.

Adaline froze in shock, while Helga's face went pale as she realized the implications. Gerard had recorded their conversation and sent it to Iker.

"Iker, it's not what it seems..."

“Enough! Do you take me for a fool? You've always been this way.

When Lilah and I were close, you tried to win me over. Now with Gerard in the picture, you're at it again. What's your game, Adaline?"

Iker's voice dripped with scorn.

Tears streamed down Adaline's face, her dignity shredded. “You're my boyfriend, yet you believe these lies? Do you still harbor feelings for Lilah?"

"Compared to you, your sister is an angel!" Iker's shout echoed in the room.

Adaline felt a knife twist in her heart, her tears flowing freely.

Iker delivered his parting words, cold and final. “I can't bear the sight of you. Return everything I've given you. We're through." And with that, he walked away.

The silence in the hospital room was palpable. Adaline then wept uncontrollably, and Helga, burdened with the gravity of their situation, couldn't console her. The Phillips family had leaned heavily on the support of the Lewis family. What would become of them now?

True to their fears, by afternoon, the Phillips family received news: the Lewis family had pulled their investments. Realizing the dire implications, Matthew vented his fury at the hospital before storming off, leaving Adaline and Helga to wallow in their despair.

They had sought to gain, but in the process, lost so much more.

Meanwhile, at Aurora Jewelers...

On her break, Lilah texted Gerard. “Have you had lunch? Want me to order something for you?"

His response was swift. "Yes, please."

Lilah quickly ordered food from a top-rated restaurant nearby.