It was indeed her idea, but she suddenly remembered the complicated relationship between him and Aldrich.

Brian's grandmother, Debora, had once revealed to her that Barlow's mother, Adeline, had poisoned Brian under the influence of Aldrich's father, Chase, who was also Brian's uncle.

Born into poverty, Adeline lost her parents at a young age and lived with her sister.

Excelling academically, she attracted Hughes Group's financial support.

In her youth, Adeline was both stunning and intelligent. Upon first sight, Chase was enamored by her.

He skillfully employed honeyed words to beguile her, persuading her to become a pawn in his schemes.

Chase's cunning plan involved Adeline seducing Brian's father, Frankie, and then drugging him with a slow-acting poison.

This way, he could seize control of Hughes Group.

He promised Adeline marriage once he held the reins.

As Frankie's secretary, Adeline dutifully followed Chase's instructions.

However, love's unpredictable nature intervened.

Never had she imagined that her heart would be captivated by Frankie.

Undeniably, he was both dashing and skilled.

Thus, she yearned to break free from Chase's manipulation and escape his clutches.

But would Chase relinquish his hold on her without a fight?

He preyed upon her vulnerability, threatening her with beloved sister.

In that desperate moment, Adeline proposed a middle ground.

She offered to poison Brian.

With no heir, Frankie would be forced to rely on Chase's son.

By executing this plan, Chase's son would ascend as the patriarch of the Hughes family, securing Chase a prominent role within their ranks.

Should Chase oppose her, she resolved to bravely stand her ground against him.

Seeing her determination, Chase agreed to the revised plan.