Carly smiled. "Sure." The Carters were kind, educated, and decent. Seeing Isabella, her happiness bloomed again—Isabella deserved to know such a wonderful family.

That afternoon, Ronald was discharged. They packed their rented house and returned to Isabella and Adrian's mansion. Damian, overjoyed to see Ronald, immediately dragged him off to play Lego.

Isabella, though relieved, fussed over Ronald's injury. "Be careful, both of you!" she warned repeatedly, especially Damian. "Watch Ronald's forehead—no more fights!" Damian nodded, promising to be good.

Back at the mansion, Carly felt a wave of relief. This prestigious neighborhood was off-limits to the Zanes, even if they knew where she lived.

Settled, Carly's anxieties shifted to work. She’d considered quitting, but the Carters' encouragement had changed her mind. But Strico with Becky? she worried. Becky, divorced but financially secure, had a safety net. Carly didn't. She had Ronald to consider; every decision demanded careful thought.

Late that night, Isabella found Carly lost in thought. "What's on your mind?" she whispered.

Carly hesitated. "The future."

Isabella's face turned serious. "Decided what to do?"

Carly shook her head.

"Why not go to Strico with Becky, like Patrick suggested?" Isabella offered gently. "The Carters are incredibly successful. They can easily help you. Your future will be so much brighter."

Carly sighed. "I know, but isn't that too much to ask? I don't want to be dependent."

"They're kind, and they offered," Carly continued, "but we can't take advantage of that."

Isabella fell silent, understanding Carly's sensitivity. She'd had the same concerns. But the opportunity to learn jewelry design from the Carters was too good to pass up. "Carly, I understand," Isabella finally said, her voice soft. "It really isn't a burden for them. Remember when Adrian wanted to buy me that mansion? You said it was nothing to the Carters. We're family now. Let's accept their help. We just need to show our gratitude and support them if they ever need us."

Carly looked at Isabella, seeing a newfound maturity. "Okay." She’d always struggled accepting kindness; her childhood had made her wary. But Isabella was right. Letting go of the pressure felt liberating. The relief was immense.

"It's late," Carly said, realizing the time. "Go to bed."

Isabella smiled. "Okay."

A month flew by. Ronald's forehead healed completely. Stacey and Hayden returned from their honeymoon, bearing gifts and plans to move to Strico. Stacey was thrilled Carly was coming.

The transition to Strico required handing over their work. Carly's responsibilities were minimal, still learning. Becky, however, had a mountain of tasks—a month of frantic activity before they could leave.

Before their departure, Patrick gave Stacey documents detailing the Strico branch. It wasn't as straightforward as they’d thought; there were internal issues. He'd shielded Becky before, but now, with her life stabilizing, it was time to learn the ropes. Only then could she truly lead.

Becky moved to Strico, joining Hayden and taking the reins of the Carter business. Carly would follow, but only after Ronald finished his semester. The future, no longer a source of anxiety, felt bright with possibilities.