"No wonder Adaline acts the way she does. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Maybe she does belong behind bars. As for us? Our marriage is over," he declared, his voice filled with finality.

Matthew's realization felt like a series of stinging slaps across his face. The idea of being deceived for years and having raised a child he considered a mark of disgrace made him feel nauseous.

Helga's body showed signs of rough treatment, and it pained her to hear Matthew's cruel words about her and her daughter. “And what about you? Even without Adaline, wouldn't you still be a father of-"

A father of other men's children. That was what Helga wanted to say.

Both his daughters weren't biologically his, anyway. What was the big deal if he helped her raise her daughter?

Yet before she could finish her words, a sharp slap interrupted her, leaving her disoriented.

"Enough!" Without another word, Matthew glanced at Lilah and forcefully led Helga out.

Lilah sat, puzzled, trying to comprehend Helga's words, but she was grateful for the newfound quiet in her office.

It was evident-Matthew would no longer support Adaline.

The possibility of the Lewis family accepting a member with a prison record was out of the question.

Meanwhile, Iker visited Adaline in prison.

“Iker, I knew you still cared. I knew you'd come for me," she said, her appearance a stark contrast to the radiant woman she used to be.

Her disheveled state and sunken features made it hard for Iker to meet her eyes. He slid a document toward her.

"A divorce agreement?" Adaline murmured in disbelief.

"You're incarcerated, Adaline. We can't continue like this. This divorce is in both our interests. I'll offer you ten million dollars as compensation," Iker proposed.

“No! Iker, I can be released. Just get Lilah to help," Adaline pleaded desperately.

"Do you really believe she would?"

Adaline's eyes welled up with tears. Deep down, she knew Lilah had every reason not to come to her aid.

“Iker, give it a chance. If I get out, we can rebuild our lives, can't we?" Adaline's voice was filled with despair, a stark contrast to the poised, tearful appeals she used to make. Now, she simply looked worn and desolate.

"Enough, Adaline. The Lewis family won't accept you as a member.

Either sign this, or you'll be left empty-handed," Iker retorted.

The weight of their shared years pressed heavily on Adaline's shoulders. She felt betrayed.

Yet, understanding the power the Lewis family held, she reluctantly signed her name.

Without a word, Iker collected the agreement and departed, never once looking back.