She ended the call, her mind racing with the prospect of soon becoming Mrs. Lewis. At that stage, who would even bother about a career in design?

That evening, Adaline and Iker made their way back to Eleywood.

She dolled herself up for the dinner, determined to charm the Lewis family. Regina, Iker's mother, seemed to warm up to her, even broaching the subject of wedding preparations.

Elation surged through Adaline, but she kept her cool. “A simple wedding is enough. What Iker and I have is real. No need to be extravagant."

Regina nodded, seemingly impressed. "But it's still a big day for you two. Don't worry. The Lewis family knows how to treat its own. You can talk with your parents and let us know your family's opinion."

Adaline's smile was demure. "Okay. I'll chat with them about it when I'm back."

In the restroom, she couldn't wait to spill the beans to her parents, Matthew and Helga, who shared her joy.

But back at the table, something was off. Regina's once-warm eyes were now icy. Confused, Adaline tried to win her over. “Regina, you should try this. It's fantastic for the skin."

Regina's response was dripping with sarcasm. "What, my skin's not good enough?"

Adaline backpedaled. “Not at all! You're so youthful, people might mistake us for siblings.”

Regina brushed her off, shifting gears. "I've had my fill. How about you?"

"Mom, I'm stuffed. Ready to head out?" Iker chimed in, sensing the shift.

Dinner ended on a weird note. Regina excused herself, leaving a stone-faced Iker. "Adaline, what were you thinking? Plagiarism's bad enough, but to pull a stunt like that at a major contest? You want the world to brand the Lewis family with a plagiarist daughter-in-law?"

Adaline's face drained of color. "Iker, it wasn't supposed to unfold like this. My aim was the championship, to elevate my standing before our marriage."

"Adaline, you've been a colossal letdown." Iker's voice was steeped in disillusionment. He turned on his heel and strode off.

In her haste to follow, Adaline's high heels betrayed her. She stumbled, crashing gracelessly to the ground.

Through blurred vision, she watched Iker's car disappear into the distance. Desperation clawing at her, she checked her phone and there it was, the official statement circulating industry-wide.

Mockery and disdain for her name was everywhere.

This was all because of Lilah!

A deep, seething hatred, the Likes of which she'd never known, surged within Adaline. Blind with rage, she dialed Bernard.

Meanwhile, Lilah sneezed, an inexplicable premonition nudging her about who might be wishing her ill. She shrugged it off. After all, Adaline had dug her own grave.

Post a brief chat with Phoebe, Lilah decided on a leisurely stroll outside the hotel.

But the moment she exited the elevator, a familiar silhouette veering toward the stairwell caught her eye.

Who ventured into stairwells without cause?