Isabella, momentarily stunned by the Carters' wealth, felt a wave of relief wash over her. Carly could still work for Carter's Jewel, even after leaving Hivalis. The weight lifted, she now fully supported Carly's move.

"Carly," Patrick said thoughtfully, "we have some advice."

Carly and Isabella exchanged glances. Debra, puzzled, wondered what Patrick had up his sleeve.

Patrick smiled. "Becky and Hay are getting married, moving to Strico with Hoggard Technologies. If you're not in a rush, wait until Becky’s back from her honeymoon. I’ll talk to her about you working there. You, Ronald, and Becky can all move together.”

Adrian's eyes lit up. "That's feasible!"

Leaving immediately was impossible. Ronald's injuries—several stitches—required time to heal, and he needed to finish the semester.

Their decision was made: they would wait. The Zane family returned, but Adrian had stationed bodyguards outside Ronald's ward. Their shouting accusations – Carly’s malice, Connor's injuries – echoed down the hall. The hospital staff was displeased, but helpless.

The doctor discreetly alerted Adrian, who swiftly arrived and expertly countered the Zane family’s demands. Connor, intimidated by Adrian's legal prowess, flinched.

"Mind your own business!" Connor blustered, remembering he’d shoved Ronald into a flowerbed.

"Why shouldn't we?" Isabella snapped.

Anastasia, Connor's mother, stormed over. "Who cares about Carly? Connor doesn't even care about her! We just want Ronald! If you let him stay, we'll leave you alone!" She launched into a tirade about Carly being "trash."

Slap!

Carly, having just comforted Ronald, had reached her limit. The slap silenced the room.

Connor, pulling his mother behind him, roared, "Carly! What are you doing?"

Carly’s gaze was cold. "We're divorced, Connor. Ronald is mine. Don't even think about taking him."

Connor lunged, but the doctor intervened. Minutes later, he was escorted back to his room.

Watching them go, Carly’s anger simmered. The scene at Ronald's bedside cemented her resolve: they were leaving Hivalis after the semester.

Adrian, wanting to shield Ronald from further turmoil, suggested moving him to the mansion to recover.

While Carly hesitated about returning to Adrian and Isabella’s home, the risk of the Zane family’s harassment was too great. She agreed.

Isabella’s relief was palpable. "Carly, don't worry. We're happy to have you."