Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled patterns across the dining room floor of the Grandelle residence.

Vincent Grandelle sat across from Diana Grandelle, enjoying their breakfast spread.

The elderly couple's morning meal was a lavish affair.

Steaming pork buns sat beside bowls of spicy lamb offal soup glistening with chili oil.

Vincent took a bite and frowned. "These buns are unusually greasy today."

Diana handed him a cup of floral tea. "I've told you to eat lighter. Try this German import—Victoria loved it during her morning sickness."

The word "morning sickness" struck a chord.

Vincent recalled how pale Sophia had looked recently.

Before leaving, he casually pocketed the entire box of tea.

At Antique Treasures, Sophia accepted the gift from her mentor with a grateful smile.

Upstairs, she unwrapped the package.

Dried berries and flowers in deep purples and reds released a delicate fragrance.

The ingredients listed blueberries, hibiscus, and strawberries.

She brewed a cup.

The sweet-tart flavor blossomed on her tongue, soothing her unsettled stomach.

By nightfall, she'd consumed four full cups.

As Sophia lay in bed, a sudden cramp twisted through her abdomen.

She bolted upright, her nightgown instantly drenched in cold sweat.

In the bathroom, she stared in horror at the dark red stains on her pajama bottoms.

"Ethan!" Her voice shattered like thin ice.

Ethan Sullivan jolted awake, his face draining of color.

Barefoot, he scooped Sophia into his arms and charged downstairs.

The night wind howled around them as he ran, muscles straining with each step.

"Hold on. We're going to the hospital." His voice cut sharper than the winter air.

The speedometer needle trembled at its limit.

Sophia clutched the seatbelt. "Slow down—"

Ethan didn't hear.

His world had narrowed to the hospital's crimson emergency sign.

The ER doors slammed shut behind them.

Alone in the corridor, Ethan dug his nails into his palms.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Vincent Grandelle.

"Master, that floral tea was poisoned."