Sophia Laurent was engrossed in discussing the details of the antique appraisal show with Kyle Grant.

A sharp gaze suddenly pierced through her.

She looked up.

Ethan Sullivan stood at the end of the hallway, his expression dark.

"The TV station invited your company to collaborate on the appraisal show. He recommended me to participate," she blurted out in explanation.

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it.

Why was she explaining herself to her ex-husband?

Ethan remained silent, his eyes as cold as ice.

Sophia's nose stung.

In the past, she would have rushed into his arms and pouted for comfort.

Now, she could only stand frozen in place.

The door to the neighboring private room creaked open.

A short-haired woman stepped out.

Her eyes lit up when she saw Ethan. "Mr. Sullivan, were you waiting for me?"

Ethan didn't move.

The woman followed his gaze and noticed Sophia.

"You must be Mr. Sullivan's ex-wife," she said, eyeing Sophia up and down. "Even more beautiful than the rumors say."

Sophia nodded politely. "Hello."

"What a shame to let go of a man like Mr. Sullivan," the woman remarked pointedly.

Sophia caught the insinuation but replied calmly, "I'll leave you two to talk."

The woman took the hint and left.

Ethan suddenly spoke. "It's just a business collaboration. Zane Riveron and his father are also involved."

Sophia clenched her fingers. "No need to explain. You're free now."

Kyle shot her a sympathetic glance.

Ethan smirked coldly. "The divorce was your choice. I never gave up."

"I didn't want to make things difficult for you."

"I did it willingly."

The air between them turned heavy.

Kyle tactfully interjected, "The TV crew is waiting."

Sophia hurriedly excused herself.

Even as she walked away, she could feel the heat of Ethan's gaze burning into her back.

Ethan received a text from Kyle: I didn’t know about the divorce. There was no ulterior motive.

He deleted the message furiously.

In his car, he chain-smoked half a pack of cigarettes.

Only after watching Sophia return home safely did he finally start the engine.

Late at night, in the garden,

he stood beneath the magnolia tree.

Moonlight stretched his shadow long and thin.

Beneath that spot lay their unborn child.

A week later,

Sophia was in her studio, mixing reagents.

Maggie announced a visitor.

Victor Sullivan stormed in, his face thunderous.

"This villa was bought by my son, wasn't it?" he sneered.

Without looking up, Sophia replied, "I paid five million."

"Stay away from my son!" Victor suddenly roared.

Sophia picked up a slender glass vial.

With lightning speed, she pressed it into his hand.

"Nitroglycerin," she whispered. "Be careful—it might explode."

Victor's face paled instantly.

"Sealed with Celestial Mender. It won’t come off," Sophia said with a faint smile. "I suggest you move slowly. Sudden movements could be... dangerous."

Victor trembled but had no choice but to cradle the vial with exaggerated care as he inched toward the door.

"Remember," Sophia's voice followed him, "even the gentlest person has their limits when pushed too far."