Sophia stopped in her tracks.

She turned to see Victor Sullivan standing a short distance away.

He gestured toward the garden gazebo. "Let's talk over there."

Silently, Sophia followed.

Inside the gazebo, Victor lit a cigarette.

Through the curling smoke, he spoke. "You're a good girl."

Sophia clenched her fingers.

"But the Sullivans require marriages of equal social standing." He flicked ash from his cigarette. "The Valentines have their corporate empire. The Riverons own prime real estate and museums. What do you have?"

Sophia pulled a card from her purse.

"One billion dollars. Returning it to you."

Victor didn't take it.

He scoffed. "Why not find someone at your own level? Ethan is destined for greatness."

Sophia glanced at his hand still stuck to the glass bottle.

She turned and walked away.

Two bodyguards immediately followed.

Only after Sophia had gone did Victor remember he'd forgotten to ask her help removing the bottle.

Frustrated, he punched the bottle—then winced in pain.

Sophia had her driver stop at a quiet lounge.

She needed alcohol to numb herself.

Under dim lighting, she ordered a Long Island Iced Tea.

On stage, a singer crooned a melancholy love song.

"Even cursed love, we'd still choose this sin..."

The lyrics only deepened her turmoil.

She downed the entire drink in one go.

When she stood, the world spun violently.

As her bodyguards moved to help her into the car, a black SUV screeched to a halt nearby.

Kyle Grant strode over.

"What happened?" He frowned at Sophia's drunken state.

"Madam only had some tea..." a bodyguard explained.

Kyle's expression darkened.

Steadying her swaying form, he said, "If you need to vomit, just let it out."

Sophia gagged several times but nothing came up.

Kyle swept her into his arms.

"You're awake..." Mistaking him for Ethan in her haze, Sophia's voice broke. "You scared me..."

The words pierced Kyle's heart.

Using her fingerprint to unlock her door, he carried her to the sofa.

A call to Grace Langley revealed she was traveling abroad.

Even housekeeper Maggie was at the hospital with her husband.

Suddenly Sophia retched violently.

Without hesitation, Kyle carried her to the bathroom.

After cleaning up, he gently settled her into bed.

He brought water, wiped her face, tucked her in.

Having tidied the living room's mess, he stood by the bedside.

Moonlight illuminated Sophia's peaceful sleeping face.

Kyle gazed at her for a long moment.

This fleeting warmth made him reluctant to leave.