Sophia pressed her fingertips against Ethan's chest and gently pushed him away.

She opened the nightstand drawer and retrieved a silver-wrapped package.

Ethan's eyes darkened, his voice laced with displeasure. "Must we?"

Sophia shoved the package into his hand. "Safety first."

He lowered his head to kiss her earlobe, his warm breath brushing her neck. "It's uncomfortable."

His deep, magnetic voice carried a hint of coaxing.

Sophia nearly relented.

She drew a steadying breath. "What if I get pregnant?"

"Then we'll remarry," Ethan stated firmly.

Sophia turned her face away. "Your father would never allow it."

"Last time you were pregnant, didn't he back off?" Ethan pulled her closer. "The Valentines won't dare make a move now. It's the perfect opportunity."

Sophia remained silent.

She remembered Victor Sullivan's contemptuous gaze, how he'd pointed at her nose and sneered, "You're unworthy."

She was no longer the submissive little wife who lived only for her husband.

Noticing her resistance, Ethan softened his tone. "I know you want to prove yourself, but you don't need to suffer like this."

"A marriage bought with a child? I won't take it." Sophia's resolve was unshakable.

In the end, Ethan yielded.

Yet something between them had subtly shifted.

The next morning, Sophia woke to an empty space beside her.

Maggie hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Sullivan barely touched his breakfast..."

Sophia knew he was sulking.

She called him and smoothed things over with just a few words.

As soon as she hung up, Iris's call came through.

"Sophia! That idiot Zane challenged me to a drinking contest last night and lost thirty grand!" Iris's triumphant laughter crackled through the phone.

Sophia chuckled dryly.

Perhaps she'd worried for nothing.

Suddenly, violent pounding erupted at the door.

Through the window, Sophia saw Victoria Windsor standing outside with a group of bodyguards.

The once-elegant socialite looked utterly disheveled—her hair wild, face crisscrossed with bloody scratches, expensive suit wrinkled beyond recognition.

Sophia stepped out with her own security team.

Victoria lunged toward her but stopped halfway.

She clawed frantically at her own face, voice hoarse. "Please, Miss Laurent! Help me!"

Sophia observed her coldly. "Been to the hospital?"

"Yes! It's useless!" Victoria shook her head in agony. "The itching—I can't stand it!"

"You want my help?" Sophia narrowed her eyes slightly. "Then tell me—who planned Jack's accident?"

Victoria's gaze darted nervously. "What accident? I don't know anything..."

"Was it Salvatore?"

Victoria suddenly began scratching herself like a madwoman. "I don't know! Nothing!"

Sophia turned away with a cold laugh.

"Wait!" Victoria screamed in desperation. "I'll pay! I'll kneel! Just give me the antidote!"

Sophia paused and looked back. "Five million. Three days on your knees."

Victoria's face went deathly pale, but she finally nodded, trembling. "I...I agree..."

She collapsed to her knees, all traces of her former arrogance gone.