Adaline's trial concluded swiftly. Convicted of slander, she received a five-year sentence.

As time passed, the public chatter subsided, and life began its journey back to routine for most, including Lilah.

It was getting colder and colder. In sync with the changing seasons, Lilah's company unveiled its new products. On the day of the Launch, as Lilah took center stage to showcase their latest offerings, a familiar, bitter voice cut through the event's buzz.

“How dare you stand there so nonchalantly when your sister languishes in prison? Your ingratitude knows no bounds. I regret ever raising you," Helga spat, pointing accusingly at Lilah, nearly splattering her with saliva in her fury.

Lilah's gaze met Helga's, as murmurs from the reporters filled the room.

“Who's that woman?"

"That's Helga, Lilah's mother. Rumor has it that Lilah was so heartless she let her own sister end up behind bars."

"I remember now. The Phillips family invested a lot in Lilah's education abroad. But since her return, she's overshadowed Adaline.

This resulted in Adaline's emotional breakdown and her plot against Lilah. And now, Adaline's in jail. What a tragic turn of events."

The press conference was streaming live, capturing every twist and turn. The audience, watching from their screens, was captivated by the unexpected drama unfolding before them.

Sympathies naturally gravitated toward the seemingly pathetic Adaline, who was now paying the price for her mistakes.

Some began to question whether Lilah had been too heartless in her actions.

Hearing the surrounding comments, Helga felt a twinge of satisfaction.

She believed that shaming Lilah might be a way to free her imprisoned daughter.

Helga had confidently chosen today's venue, trusting Lilah would not publicly reveal that Adaline wasn't her biological sister, for it might lead to the revelation that Lilah was the reason for her real sister's disappearance.

With a dramatic gesture, Helga collapsed to the floor, weeping loudly, “My poor Adaline! The sister you looked up to has cast you away.

Lilah, your actions are inhumane. We shouldn't have spent our savings sending you abroad. It seems that distance made you forget your roots and turned your heart against your own sister. She's in prison now.

Is this what you wanted?"

Pitying glances were exchanged among the crowd as they watched Helga's outburst. The atmosphere grew thick with judgment.

"It's painful to see. Helga is torn between her two daughters. It's unimaginable for a mother to see one child harm another. Lilah truly seems cold-hearted."

Reporters scrambled to ask questions. "Miss Phillips, given all the resources your family provided you, don't you feel an obligation to give back? Why do you seem to continually undermine your younger sister?"

“Miss Phillips, seeing your mother so devastated, don't you feel any remorse?"

“While you might be the victim in this situation, Adaline is still your sister. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive her and prevent her from going to prison?"

The accusatory questions from the reporters stung sharply.