Victor Sullivan scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain. "Such bold words for someone so young."

Sophia Laurent's lips curved slightly as she traced the rim of her teacup. "Mr. Sullivan, you seem to forget—it's your son who can't live without me. If I wanted to replace him, I'd have far better options."

She rose gracefully, looking down at him. "The only reason that jar remains on your hand is out of respect for Ethan. But if you dare interfere with my mother again—"

Before she could finish, a sharp pain shot through Victor's palm.

He stood abruptly, his face dark with fury as he stormed out.

His assistant hurried after him. "Sir, your jar—"

"Shut up!"

Victor yanked at his tie in irritation. "Check my back!"

The assistant nervously circled behind him. "There's nothing there."

"That girl is unnatural," Victor hissed through gritted teeth. "A worthless jar tormenting me like this."

The assistant ventured carefully, "Miss Laurent has actually been considerate of you. This endorsement deal—"

"How much did she pay you?" Victor's gaze turned razor-sharp.

The assistant paled. "Mr. Ethan only asked me to persuade you—"

"Get out!"

Ten days later, the photography studio buzzed with flashing lights.

Sophia stood under the spotlight in a white gown, her every glance exuding classical elegance.

"Absolutely perfect!" The photographer's hands trembled with excitement. "Miss Laurent, you were born for this!"

In the dressing room, Sophia removed her earrings.

The door swung open.

Ethan Sullivan stood silhouetted against the light, holding a cup of mango pomelo sago.

"You're here?" Sophia's eyes brightened.

"To take my wife to dinner." He approached, inserting the straw and bringing it to her lips. "What would you like?"

"Hot pot!"

Ethan frowned. "Your stomach—"

Seeing her pout, he immediately relented. "Fine. Whatever you want."

"Pfft—" A stifled laugh came from the corner.

Iris Evans, holding a powder puff, turned red from suppressing her giggles.

Ethan's expression darkened. "Why are you here?"

"I'm now Sophia's protégée and personal assistant!" Iris winked. "I promise not to take her tomb raiding... or maybe I will!"

"Find a replacement. Now." Ethan coldly pulled out his phone.

Sophia stopped his hand. "She's joking."

The trio had just entered the hot pot restaurant when they ran into Zane Riveron.

"Ethan! Sophia!" Zane waved enthusiastically, then froze when he spotted Iris. "Uh... Sparrow Hawk?"

Iris bristled. "It's Iris! Like the flower!"

"Hawk sounds cooler." Zane grinned, sidling closer. "Mind if I join you?"

Steam rose in the private dining room.

Ethan, scowling, piled Sophia's bowl high with meat.

"That's enough," she protested, amused.

Zane watched enviously. "Ethan treats you so well."

"I'm the lucky one." Ethan's expression softened slightly.

Iris suddenly interjected, "You two aren't even remarried yet."

The air turned to ice.

Zane kicked Iris under the table.

"Why'd you kick me?" She jumped up.

"Can't even eating shut you up!" Zane shoved a piece of tripe toward her mouth.

"It's burning me!"

Watching the chaotic pair, Sophia found the scene oddly harmonious.

Then warmth enveloped her hand.

Ethan laced his fingers with hers. "Too noisy. Let's go somewhere else."