Elias , true to his word , stayed out of my way , providing Pearl with three full - time nannies to assist me at the lab . I heard he was trying to divorce Seraphina , but she was refusing , pulling out all the stops : tears , tantrums , suicide threats . She even dragged his elderly parents back from their retirement home to plead her case , insisting that he was just infatuated with me , his " substitute , " and that she would " win him back . " The Hayes household was in constant turmoil . In the midst of it all , Elias took Pearl home . Just when I thought I was finally free of their drama , I saw the news . A new product launch by the Hayes Corporation had been accused of plagiarism . The company's stock was plummeting . Amelia told me that after the disastrous birthday party , Elias had alienated a lot of people . This new product was his gamble to turn things around . But rival company had launched an identical product a day earlier , complete with original design concepts and drafts . Elias was facing massive financial losses and a ruined reputation . It would be nearly impossible for him to recover . My heart sank . Was he broke ? What about my salary ? As I was pacing my apartment , I got a call from the police . " Kristin , you need to get to the roof of the Hayes Corporation building . Now . " 7 The roof was a chaotic scene of police , firefighters , and news crews . Seraphina was sitting on the ledge , dangling Pearl over the edge . Elias was standing a few feet away , his face ashen . When he saw me , he yelled , " Seraphina ! Kristin is here ! Please , come down ! Or just give me the child . Pearl is heavy . You must be tired . Just give her to me , please ! " But Seraphina ignored him , her eyes fixed on me like a viper . " Kristín . You finally came . This is all your fault . If it wasn't for you , my life wouldn't be in ruins !" 1 had no idea what she was talking about . She suddenly held Pearl further out over the abyss . Everyone on the roof gasped . I knew she was unhinged . I moved forward slowly , my hands up . " You're right , Seraphina . It's all my fault . I'm a terrible person . But Pearl is your daughter . Please , just give her to Elias ... " " This is the proof ! " she screamed , throwing a USB drive onto the roof . Her eyes were filled with pure venom . " Proof that Kristin stole your new product designs ! Elias , she never loved you ! She was sent by your competitor to destroy you ! She's a corporate spy ! I told you , I'm the only one in this world who truly loves you ! "