The lawyer promised to search his old records.
Until then, Adrian asked Lily not to tell anyone about the photograph.
He feared that the information might be used against them.
But Victoria had already begun investigating.
She discovered that Lily had a daughter who died three years earlier.
She also found the address of the hospital where Sophie had been treated.
And she found something else.
A charity payment made by the Sterling Foundation to the hospital during the same period.
Victoria immediately contacted Eleanor.
"Your daughter-in-law may have known Lily's family."
Eleanor frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
"I found records showing that Catherine donated money to the hospital where Lily's daughter was treated."
Eleanor's face turned pale.
"That hospital?"
"Yes."
For several seconds, Eleanor said nothing.
Then she whispered, "This is worse than I thought."
That evening, Victoria arrived at the mansion carrying a small gift for Emily.
Adrian was in a meeting, and Lily was feeding the baby.
"Hello, darling," Victoria said sweetly.
Lily looked up.
"Good evening."
Victoria approached the crib.
"May I hold her?"
Lily hesitated.
"She's just finished eating."
"I won't keep her long."
Before Lily could respond, Victoria lifted Emily.
The baby immediately began crying.
"Oh, don't be difficult," Victoria said.
Lily stepped forward.
"Perhaps she needs to rest."
Victoria turned sharply.
"Are you telling me how to hold a baby?"
"No, ma'am. I'm only trying to help."
Victoria handed Emily back.
Then she smiled.
"Of course. You seem to believe you know what's best for everyone."
Lily ignored the remark.
After Victoria left, Lily noticed that one of Emily's bracelets was missing.
She searched the nursery but couldn't find it.
She assumed it had fallen somewhere.
However, the following morning, Adrian received an anonymous email.
It contained photographs of Lily holding Emily, along with a message.
Your employee has been taking personal belongings from your daughter. You should investigate before she steals something more valuable.
Attached was a photograph of the missing bracelet.
It had been placed inside Lily's handbag.
Adrian immediately called her into his study.
"Lily, I need you to explain something."
She looked at the bracelet on his desk.
Her face went pale.
"I've never seen that."
"It was found in your room."
"That's impossible."
"Are you certain?"
Lily stared at him.
"Mr. Sterling, I would never steal from Emily."
Adrian looked conflicted.
"I want to believe you."
Lily felt something break inside her.
"Then believe me."
Before he could respond, Victoria entered.
"I told you this woman couldn't be trusted."
Lily turned toward her.
For the first time, she did not lower her eyes.
"You're the one who put it there."
Victoria laughed.
"How dare you?"
Adrian raised his hand.
"Enough. I will investigate this properly."
But the damage had already been done.
Lily walked out of the study with tears in her eyes.
And Victoria watched her leave with a satisfied smile.
She had successfully created the first crack in Adrian and Lily's trust.
Now she only needed to make it wider.
Lily didn't sleep that night.
She sat beside Emily's crib, watching the baby breathe peacefully.
She had never stolen anything in her life.
She had worked hard for everything she owned, even when life had been cruel to her.
Yet someone had managed to make her look like a thief.
The worst part was that Adrian had hesitated.
He hadn't accused her directly, but she had seen the doubt in his eyes.
And doubt was sometimes more painful than anger.
The following morning, Lily handed Sarah a sealed envelope.
"What's this?" Sarah asked.
"My resignation."
Sarah looked shocked.
"You're leaving?"
"I think it's best."
"But Emily needs you."
Lily smiled sadly.
"She'll be fine."
Sarah lowered her voice.
"Don't let Victoria win."
Lily looked away.
"I don't know what else to do."
Before Sarah could answer, Adrian entered the nursery.
"Lily, can we talk?"
She stood up.
"Of course."
He held up a document.
"My security team reviewed the footage from the hallway."
Lily waited.
"They discovered that someone entered your room shortly before the bracelet was found."
"Who?"
Adrian hesitated.
"Victoria."
Lily closed her eyes.
For a moment, relief washed over her.
Then anger followed.
"Why would she do that?"
"I don't know yet."
"You don't know?"
Adrian looked uncomfortable.
"I'm still investigating."
Lily took a step backward.
"Mr. Sterling, she framed me. She tried to destroy my reputation in this house, and you're still giving her the benefit of the doubt."
"I need evidence before I make accusations."
"And what about the evidence against me? Wasn't that enough for you to question me?"
Adrian had no answer.
Lily placed the resignation letter on the table.
"I can't work in a house where I have to prove every day that I'm not a criminal."
"Lily, please."
"I love Emily. But I can't keep doing this."
Adrian looked at her.
"Don't leave."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Give me one reason to stay."
He looked toward the crib.
"Because she needs you."
Lily shook her head.
"She needs love, Adrian. Not a woman who stays because she's afraid of losing her job."
It was the first time she had called him by his first name.
And somehow, that made the moment even more painful.
Before Adrian could speak, Emily began crying.
Lily instinctively turned toward her.
She lifted the baby and held her close.
"I'm sorry, little angel."
Emily pressed her face against Lily's neck.
Lily kissed her forehead.
"I wish I could stay."
Then she handed the baby to Sarah and walked away.
Adrian watched her leave.
For the first time, he understood that money and authority meant nothing when someone no longer wanted to remain beside him.