Isabella and Adrian returned from work an hour later. Carly, staying with them, suggested bringing Ronald home instead of leaving him in after-school care. Since Connor had forced her to quit her job, she'd become a freelance illustrator, working from home and caring for Ronald. She proposed the same for Damian.

Adrian and Isabella agreed, cancelling after-school care. Dinner was a quiet affair, until Carly finally asked, "Adrian, can I file for divorce from Connor now?"

Isabella was stunned. She'd encouraged Carly to divorce Connor before, but Carly had always hesitated. "Anytime," Adrian replied.

Carly nodded, speechless. Adrian then revealed, "Connor tried to see you today." Isabella gasped, but Adrian reassured her, "The guards stopped him." He offered Carly bodyguards.

Carly refused, worried about the cost. She needed to save for a house, for their independence. Adrian chuckled, "They're Carter family bodyguards, already paid. Consider it temporary protection."

Isabella remembered Becky's situation, using Carter family bodyguards after her divorce. Carly, still hesitant, asked if it would inconvenience the Carter family. Isabella assured her it wouldn't.

Carly, still unsure, finally agreed. "How much are they paid? I'll cover it," she insisted.

Isabella slammed her chopsticks down. "Carly! Don't be so polite! You help us with Damian every day, and you never ask for money!" Adrian echoed her sentiment, "Don't treat me like an outsider!"

Carly, surprised by their generosity, accepted their help. "If you ever need help, just ask," she promised.

Adrian smiled, unaware that years later, the Carter family would face a crisis, nearly ruined by plagiarism. Carly, now a top artist, would save them with stunning new designs, winning a crucial international competition.

Their future remained unseen. That night, they discussed the divorce. Carly had collected evidence of Connor's abuse, crucial for both the divorce and securing custody of Ronald. Her freelance illustration work, initially a struggle, now provided the financial security essential for winning custody.