Celine returned to the Alvarez residence, hoping to see Mary. As she approached Mary's room, she overheard a conversation between Mary and Adam.

Mary said gently, "Adam, Celine's adoptive father came by today. I noticed she wasn't herself afterward. You should spend more time with her and show her you care."

She sighed softly and continued, "Celine was sent to the countryside at such a young age. Her father passed away early, and her mother treated her poorly. I can see how lonely she's been, how much she craves love. Though her adoptive father spent ten years in prison, he raised a wonderful girl like Celine to be part of our family, as your wife. We should be grateful to him for that. If he needs anything—be it a house, a job, or financial support—make the arrangements. It's the least we can do for her."

Mary instructed Adam with heartfelt earnestness.

Adam's sharp features softened under the warm light as he nodded. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll handle it."

Standing outside the door, Celine's vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't go in. Instead, she quietly turned around and returned to her room.

Later that night, Adam returned to their bedroom after finishing his work in the study. Celine was already asleep, curled into a small, fragile ball under the covers.

After a quick shower, Adam noticed something on the bedside table: the one-million-dollar check he had given to Larry. She had retrieved it; it was now on her nightstand, waiting to be returned to him.

His lips curved slightly in a faint smile as he looked at her. Under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, her sleep was restless. Her brows were knit tightly together, and she murmured faintly, "Mom, Mom." She was calling for her mother in her dream. Her long lashes fluttered. Soon, large teardrops slipped from the corners of her eyes. She was crying. Adam froze for a moment before instinctively reaching out to gently wipe away her tears.

In her sleep, Celine suddenly grabbed his hand. "Mom, don't go."

Adam was speechless. "What the hell?" he thought. Did she just mistake him for her mother?

He tried to pull his hand away. "Celine, I'm not your mom."

But Celine restlessly pressed her delicate face against his palm, nuzzling it softly. "Mom, don't go. Don't leave me behind…" Adam was at a loss for words. His tone turned exasperated. "Celine, I'm saying this one more time—I'm not your mom!"

In her sleep, Celine's shoulders trembled. She began to sob loudly. "Mom, Mom…"

Adam didn't know how to respond. Tears streamed down her flawless face. Her cries were heartbreaking. Adam's heart softened. This was the first time she'd ever cried in front of him. He realized he couldn't bear to see her like this.

Abandoning his plan to sleep on the couch, he lifted the blanket and got into bed. He gently parted her fragile hair. He wasn't used to it, as he had no experience comforting anyone like this. Softening his tone, he murmured, "Alright, stop crying. I'm here. Mom's here."