Years had passed, but Connor still loathed Carly. The sight of her repulsed him. He never imagined she'd sue for divorce.

The court papers left him stunned. "Crazy!" he raged. "She thinks marrying rich makes her better? She wants out?" He laughed, the sound dying as reality sunk in. Carly had sued.

His legal knowledge screamed danger. Domestic violence accusations were devastating. He panicked, frantically researching. He found hope: refusal to divorce often stalled the initial proceedings, focusing on mediation.

But he underestimated Adrian, Carly's lawyer. Adrian was a shark. Many, panicked, withdrew their cases, mistakenly believing divorce was impossible. Not with domestic violence; refusal of mediation meant automatic divorce.

Twenty days later, the trial began. Connor's prepared statements crumbled under Adrian's relentless cross-examination. Each answer revealed more than intended; Adrian exposed Connor's true feelings, laying them bare for the judge. Connor felt his world spin.

The judge's gavel fell. Divorce.

"Impossible! You'll never divorce me!" Connor roared, but the ruling was final.

His parents stormed in, desperate to grab their grandson, Ronald. But Carly's bodyguards intervened.

"Leave, but Ronald stays!" Fiona Zane shrieked as Carly, clutching Ronald, fled.

Carly's pace quickened. Ronald was hers, raised by her, not the Zanes. The court had ruled in her favor.

Reaching the Carter family car, Carly broke. Years of suppressed tears erupted. Isabella held her, offering silent comfort. Ronald, seeing his mother cry, wept too.

At the mansion, silence descended. Finally, Carly’s sobs subsided. Isabella wiped away her tears. "Don't be sad," she whispered.

Ronald, concerned, asked, "Mommy, are you sad?"

Carly knelt, meeting his gaze. "Ronald, Daddy and I are divorced. You won't have a complete family. Will you blame me?"

Ronald shook his head. "No, Mommy. Daddy's not a good father. I just want you happy. I'm happy you're free of him."

Carly felt a deep ache. She longed to give him a whole family, but Connor’s rage made divorce the only option. She couldn't let him raise Ronald in violence.

Isabella spoke gently, "Carly, divorce isn't always bad. Look at Becky. She's thriving. As long as we’re strong, things will get better—much better than staying with a terrible man."

Carly managed a weak smile. Isabella, sensing Carly needed space, turned on the TV.