Sophia's fingers stilled mid-motion as she lifted her gaze to meet Ethan's.

The rare tenderness in his eyes sent a tremor through her heart.

"I've been too selfish lately." His long fingers brushed through her hair with unexpected gentleness. "I didn't consider your feelings."

Her nose stung with unshed tears. "No, it's my stubbornness."

Ethan remained silent for a moment. "We both need space. If..." His Adam's apple bobbed. "If I can't accept Kyle's presence, I won't hold you back. Mother was right—you two are meant to be."

Sophia's lashes fluttered.

Had it not been for that fire, her life would have taken an entirely different path.

Yet fate had brought Ethan into her world.

Every joy and heartache in their marriage had been choices she'd made willingly.

The car interior grew heavy with silence.

This marked their first civil conversation since Sophia's reunion with Kyle.

Both understood—this calm either heralded rebirth or permanent farewell.

Two weeks later, Kyoto Grand Hotel.

Sophia meticulously examined the fragmented ancestral portrait in her hands. The centuries-old painting hung by a thread, one wrong move away from complete destruction.

"Sophia!" Iris hissed. "It's Ethan!"

Following her gaze, Sophia spotted Ethan moving through the lobby surrounded by associates, his tailored suit cutting a striking figure through the crowd.

When Iris moved to approach, Sophia caught her wrist.

Fifteen days of silence had spoken volumes.

Exiting the hotel, Sophia noticed a woman in white conversing animatedly with Ethan. The stranger's graceful movements exuded refined elegance.

Sophia's lips curved faintly.

Perhaps this was for the best.

She turned toward the parking lot but froze when starting the engine.

"Let me drive." Iris eyed her with concern. "I'm not ready to die young."

With a resigned sigh, Sophia switched seats.

Two discreet security teams trailed their vehicle at a distance.

Hotel entrance.

Ethan ended the perfunctory conversation and dialed Audrey.

"Your doing?" His controlled anger vibrated through the line.

Audrey chuckled. "Bianca's lovely, isn't she?"

"Not interested."

"I only want your happiness." Her tone softened. "With Sophia reunited with her childhood—"

"Truth." He cut her off.

A beat of silence.

"I loathe Willow." Audrey's voice turned glacial. "I won't have you fighting her son for the same woman."

Ethan terminated the call.

Nightfall, Phoenix Cove.

Leaning against his car, Ethan watched Sophia's window through the haze of his cigarette.

For fifteen nights, he'd stood vigil here.

Yet no amount of time could reconcile him to Kyle's existence.

In matters of the heart, he'd always been unapologetically selfish.