"What? Adam was sending Celine to study at Yorhine University?" Carly's face twisted in disbelief. "He has to be out of his mind! Yorhine University is a top-tier institution. What qualifications does Celine have?"

Carly continued, her voice laced with scorn. "Adam, Celine dropped out of school when she was sixteen. She's just a girl from the countryside! What does she know besides how to seduce men? What gives her the right to attend Yorhine University?"

Adam stared at Carly, his gaze firm and unyielding. His decision was final; there was no room for debate. Carly, realizing their recently mended relationship was fragile, wisely chose not to argue. Besides, Celine would likely make a fool of herself at Yorhine, ultimately disgusting Adam. Carly could simply sit back and watch.

She smiled. "Fine, Adam. I'll listen to you."

Adam playfully pinched her nose. "Good."

Carly snuggled into his embrace.

Later that night, Celine waited in her bedroom at the Alvarez Residence. Two beams of light swept across the lawn as Adam arrived in his Rolls-Royce Phantom. He'd likely been at the hospital with Carly.

Adam entered her room, bringing with him the cool night air. "How's Carly?" Celine asked.

"It's just a light wound," Adam replied, unbuttoning his suit jacket. "Nothing serious."

Celine wasn't surprised. "Of course, she would never let herself suffer anything worse."

Adam's eyes met hers. "I know you didn't push her. She fell down the stairs."

Celine remained silent. Adam continued, "But I can't let her fall down the stairs again."

Celine almost laughed. Carly was clever; she'd manipulated Adam simply by falling down the stairs. The power of unlimited love.

Celine said, "You have something you want to tell me, don't you?"

Adam studied her. Compared to Carly's arrogance, Celine was quiet, composed, almost obedient. And smart. She knew what he was about to say.

He swallowed. "Carly doesn't want me to share a room with you anymore."

A sharp pain pierced Celine's heart. Carly's smug voice echoed in her mind: "Celine, you're flying too close to the sun. It's time I bring you crashing back down to reality!"

Celine's face paled. Her lashes lowered as she whispered, "I'll move out tonight. I'll tell Grandma. I won't be coming back."

Before she could leave, Adam grabbed her wrist. "It's late. You can leave tomorrow."