The reporters, initially buzzing with questions for Lilah, now had their focus squarely on Helga. Their previous pity turned to revulsion.

"Mrs. Phillips, who's the biological father of Adaline?"

"Did you collude with your lover to stake a claim to the Phillips family's estate?"

"Mr. Phillips, were you aware of all this?"

The barrage of questions intensified, and the Phillips couple was soon encircled by the media. With every passing second, Matthew's anger grew.

Swearing to himself that he'd deal with Helga later, he forcefully grabbed her arm and navigated through the throng of reporters.

The Phillips pair finally broke free from the press conference. Once inside their house, Matthew's hand met Helga's cheek in a harsh strike.

Holding her cheek, Helga struggled to hold back tears. “You did it again! Why don't you just kill me?"

“Enough! I'm ending this marriage."

"You think it's that easy to push me aside?" In their divorce agreement, Matthew intended to leave her penniless; Helga wasn't having it. “I'd reconsider if there's 100 million dollars and this house on the table."

The audacity took him aback. "You've got some nerve. I might give you a million, if that. Nothing more," Matthew shot back with fury.

From the look in his eyes, Helga knew he meant it.

Still, she pondered on what she could do with a mere million. A shopping spree would nearly deplete it.

Drawing a breath, she answered, her voice trembling, “Look, the reason I ask for so much is I want us together. I told you I gave birth to the child before I was with you. After that, I never contacted the man. He's in the past. All these years, it's been just you and our family."

"You expect me to buy that?" The skepticism in Matthew's voice was palpable.

With a steely resolve, she continued, "Remember that secret? Do you really want the world knowing your biggest secret? The Phillips Group would crumble. No one else knows the two little girls were the reason you got the Phillips Group."

His reaction was immediate, a mixture of shock and fear. “You're out of your mind!"

She tried to calm him. "I don't want to ruin you. I just want a peaceful life with you, keeping that secret safe. If everything comes out, Waylon's side will think even less of us. Your thoughts?"

Helga's words were deliberate, attempting to reason with Matthew.

Matthew's uncle, Waylon Phillips, had looked down on him before the Phillips Group had risen to a famous enterprise in Eleywood.

Two sons sprouted from the family tree of Matthew's grandfather: his father, Robert Phillips, and his ambitious uncle, Waylon.

Waylon was something else-a prodigy since his earliest days. With a wife who was a shining star in the entertainment world, they combined forces, creating a business empire. It wasn't long before their company rose to prominence, establishing its main office in Rivendell and spreading its influence nationwide. Their offspring, too, were born with golden spoons; ever since they were kids, they effortlessly overshadowed Matthew. There were times when even the servants at Waylon's mansion looked at Matthew with condescension.

But the tables turned. Thanks to Lilah's grandfather, the Phillips Group flourished, and Waylon's family finally acknowledged Matthew's existence. Yet, the golden days faded; the Group started its downward spiral. Without the Phillips Group, Matthew would wrestle with more than just financial woes; his psyche would take a beating too.

Right on cue, Matthew's phone jolted to life. It was his cousin, Onyx Phillips—Waylon's son.