"The other stuff's fine," Adrian said to Carly, "but for work, could you temporarily take a position at the Carters' company?"

Carly frowned. "I have an income. Isn't that enough?"

Adrian’s tone turned serious. "Better than none, but freelance illustration is unpredictable. Connor clinging to that could cause trouble. A temporary position with the Carters offers stability, avoiding unnecessary conflict." He leaned closer. "It's nominal. If you don't want to work, just tell them. No worries."

Isabella chimed in, "Carly, listen to Adrian. He's right." She wanted Carly to divorce Connor, but Ronald had to stay with her sister.

Carly worried, "But if I work, will the court think I can't care for Ronald?"

Adrian smiled. "No problem. The Carters can arrange a work-from-home contract. Stable income, plenty of time for Ronald. That, plus the evidence we have, guarantees custody."

Isabella squeezed Carly’s hand. "Just agree, Carly. Ronald's custody is paramount."

"But…what kind of work?" Carly hesitated. "Can I even do it?"

Isabella chuckled, "You don't have to do it. It's a title."

Adrian smiled. "Actually, the Carters need designers. You draw beautifully! Jewelry design might suit you."

Isabella’s eyes widened. "Really?"

Carly looked helpless. "Isabella, it's not that easy. I just draw casually. I know nothing about jewelry design."

Adrian reassured her, "Drawing's enough. Becky will arrange training at the company."

Carly, after some thought, agreed. Winning custody was crucial. Adrian, as her lawyer, filed for divorce.

Connor was furious. Carly and Ronald were gone. He thought she’d gone mad. "Doesn't she know who she is? Just because Isabella married rich…" He scoffed. "She wants a divorce? Hmph." He wouldn't agree.

His family was enraged, wanting to confront Carly. They arrived, found her gone, and couldn't find Adrian's villa. Connor wouldn't reveal the location, protecting his reputation.

But his anger festered. He stared at the empty house, haunted by the absence of Carly and Ronald. He’d loved her – beautiful, virtuous, gentle – his dream woman. But that happiness shattered after a business event. She’d been assaulted.

The rage, disgust, and self-reproach consumed him. He should have protected her, kept her away from the public eye. He couldn’t bear the thought of her defilement, yet couldn't let her go. He clung to the memory of the Carly he loved, but couldn’t reconcile it with the reality. He became abusive, blaming her, convinced she’d flirted with the scion, then falsely accused him.