Ethan Sullivan's taillights disappeared around the street corner, yet Sophia Laurent remained rooted to the spot.

Autumn wind swirled fallen leaves past her feet, whispering faint rustling sounds against the pavement.

She stared at the empty street, feeling as though a piece had been carved from her chest.

Returning to her grandfather's house, Sophia headed straight for the eastern wing. The familiar scent of pine greeted her as she pushed open the wooden door.

Two mahogany workbenches stood silently, neatly arranged with calligraphy brushes and restoration knives. Sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains, illuminating dancing dust motes in the golden beams.

"Missing Grandpa?" Dr. Julian Evans' voice suddenly spoke behind her.

Sophia's fingertips traced the grooves on the table's surface. "Every scratch here marks a lesson he taught me."

Julian leaned against the doorframe. "My grandfather always held you up as an example, saying if a young woman could focus so diligently, why couldn't I?"

"That's because..." Sophia paused. "I had no other choice."

Maggie barged in with a water bucket, deliberately splashing near Julian's feet. "Oh Doctor Evans, move aside! This floor needs mopping!"

Sophia understood Maggie's exaggerated gesture perfectly.

After dinner, Sophia had just lain down when Maggie rushed in with a phone. "Madam! Mr. Sullivan says the Dowager is hospitalized!"

Sophia bolted upright, accidentally brushing her injury and sucking in a sharp breath from the pain.

Midnight had fallen by the time they reached the hospital.

As the elevator doors opened, she saw Ethan standing at the far end of the corridor. Moonlight edged his silhouette in silver, accentuating his aloof elegance.

"Ethan!" A petite figure suddenly emerged from the emergency stairwell, wrapping herself around his waist.

Isabella Valentine pressed her cheek against Ethan's back, smiling like the cat that got the cream.

Sophia's steps faltered, her nails digging into her palms.

"Madam has arrived," Maggie announced pointedly.

Ethan quickly disentangled himself and approached Sophia. "You should have told me you were coming."

Sophia turned away, striding directly toward the hospital room.

Dowager Eleanor sat propped against the headboard sipping ginseng soup, her face lighting up at Sophia's entrance. "There's my girl! Come let Grandma see you."

Her expression darkened when she noticed Sophia's injured hand. "What happened?"

"Just an accident," Sophia deflected.

The Dowager's eyes narrowed. "Tomb raiders? How dare they target the Sullivans?" Her gaze slid meaningfully toward the doorway. "Someone's using others to do their dirty work."

Sophia followed her look—

Isabella stood outside the door, wearing an angelically innocent smile.