Banknotes fluttered down like pink petals onto Victor Sullivan's face.

His face darkened as he wiped them away. "Don't think appearing on TV a few times makes you special. I despise people who go back on their word!"

Sophia Laurent opened her mouth to retort.

"Dad!" Natalie Sullivan's crisp voice echoed from the end of the hallway.

She strode forward, her ponytail swinging. "Mom's wanted a divorce for over a decade. Who's been clinging like a leech?"

Victor's expression twisted. "Silence!"

Natalie stepped protectively in front of Sophia. "My sister-in-law is only a year older than me. How dare you treat her like this?"

With a cold snort, Victor turned and left.

"Here." Natalie pulled a water bottle from her bag.

Sophia shook her head, gripping her hand as they hurried into the hospital room.

Zoe Riveron was leaning over Ethan Sullivan's bed, dabbing his face with a cloth.

The bloodstains on his pale arms stood out starkly against the white sheets.

"Mr. Sullivan asked me to look after him," Zoe said, straightening up. The bandage on her wrist glared conspicuously.

Sophia's fingers turned icy. "How did he get hurt?"

"Saving me." Zoe's lips curved slightly.

Natalie immediately fired back, "My brother would rescue a stray dog!"

Zoe's face tightened. "That's uncalled for, Miss Sullivan."

"You're the one crossing lines!" Natalie wrapped an arm around Sophia's shoulders. "They'll remarry eventually. Don't humiliate yourself."

Zoe crossed her arms with a smirk. "Single adults compete fairly."

"Compete?" Natalie yanked the door open. "Get out!"

Zoe leisurely smoothed her collar. "Young people shouldn't be so hotheaded."

The moment the door clicked shut, Sophia rushed to the bedside.

Her trembling hands clasped Ethan's cold fingers.

"The doctor said it's a concussion. No telling when he'll wake," Natalie said hoarsely.

Sophia pressed her cheek against his neck. "Let's remarry..."

Tears darkened the pristine sheets.

Natalie's eyes reddened. "Dad's a control freak!"

A knock interrupted them.

After the doctor's examination, they were asked to leave.

Bodyguards stood respectfully as they exited down the corridor.

Just as the elevator doors closed, Sophia heard a chilling voice behind her:

"Miss Laurent, we need to talk."