Two days hence, Marlene would have the opportunity to meet with AdaLine.

On the appointed day, Marlene arrived at the prison early.

“It's you?"

Adaline was taken aback to find Marlene as her visitor after her incarceration. Their relationship had been strained.

Marlene was surprised to see that Adaline looked like a shadow of her former self, devoid of her previous radiance. It was clear prison life had changed her completely.

“Adaline.” Marlene, despite harboring disdain, spoke with gentleness.

“I just returned from abroad. I never anticipated finding you in prison. What in the world happened?"

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Adaline couldn't hold back tears. She promptly revealed that Lilah had orchestrated her downfall.

"Lilah has crossed a line. I wanted to teach her a lesson but with her involvement with Gerard now, it's not as straightforward for me to impart that lesson." Assuming an air of helplessness, Marlene suddenly remembered something and added, "By the way, I heard Lilah was carrying an illegitimate child a few years ago. Isn't it Iker's?

Whose child could it possibly be?"

Adaline recollected the sinister night when she had orchestrated a plot for a man, a random hooligan she had stumbled upon, to assault Lilah.

It took Adaline considerable effort to retrieve the man's name. "His name is George Shelton. He's a ruffian who frequents the old street.

Seek him out and have him testify. This way, everyone will Learn that Lilah had an encounter with a thug, resulting in her pregnancy."

Marlene's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

It aligned perfectly with her intentions.

“Alright, Adaline, it pains me to see you in such a wretched state.

I genuinely hope for your swift release."

Marlene uttered a few more courteous but insincere words before taking her leave.

Once outside the prison walls, Marlene promptly commissioned an inquiry into George.

Yet, with the passage of numerous years, the denizens of the old street had dispersed, making George's whereabouts elusive. Unraveling the mystery would demand time.

However, Marlene possessed the virtue of patience. In her quest to vanquish Lilah, waiting patiently became her solemn obligation.

Lilah was unaware of any behind-the-scenes scheming. She was simply pleased to see Effie recovering from her breakup and focusing on her acting career.

A few days later, Lilah received an unexpected call from Brenda.

“Lilah, how are you all?"