They embraced until late into the night before finally drifting off to sleep.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains when Ethan Sullivan was startled awake by his private ringtone—a number known only to his closest family.

He quickly muted the phone and rose carefully, not wanting to disturb Sophia Laurent. She lay asleep, her dark hair fanned across the pillow like a tranquil painting.

In his study, Audrey Sullivan's voice came through the receiver. "I heard your father was stabbed with a hairpin?"

Ethan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his expression darkening. "You're well-informed."

"Never underestimate your mother's connections." Audrey's laugh was icy. "Who was the woman?"

"Kyle Grant's mother."

The line went silent. After a few seconds, Audrey spoke again, her voice tight with suppressed fury. "I'm flying over immediately."

Hanging up, Ethan rubbed his temples. The wars between women were often more complex than corporate battles.

Soft hands suddenly encircled his waist. Sophia pressed her cheek against his back, her voice still drowsy. "I thought you'd left."

He turned and pulled her into his arms. "I'm staying with you today."

In the hospital corridor, Sophia's hands trembled as she clutched a box of contraceptive pills. The bitter taste lingered on her tongue, mirroring the turmoil in her heart.

The door to Kyle's room was slightly ajar. Inside, Richard Grant sat by the bed, peeling fruit. The elderly man rose immediately when he saw her.

"Miss Laurent, perfect timing." Richard smiled warmly. "Kyle was just talking about you."

On the bed, Kyle's ears turned pink. He accepted the apple she offered, their fingertips brushing briefly before pulling apart.

Richard sighed softly. "A remarkable young woman like you—I wonder which lucky man will win your heart."

"Dad." Kyle frowned.

Sophia tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Kyle deserves someone better."

At the end of the hallway, Richard pressed a check into Sophia's hand. "Five million—consider it compensation." His eyes held a plea. "Willow... she's been through trauma."

Clutching the check, Sophia bowed deeply. "Thank you for raising Kyle."

Meanwhile, in a hotel suite, Willow Grant adjusted her collar before the mirror. An unfamiliar number flashed on her phone—the caller ID showed Kyoto.

"Willow." The woman's voice was glacial. "It's Audrey."

Willow's fingers dug into her palms. The nightmare from thirteen years ago resurfaced—flames engulfing everything as she desperately pushed her son to safety.

"Meet me by the shore." Audrey hung up without another word.

Salty sea winds whipped at Willow's skirt as she stared at the elegant figure in the distance. Audrey was tying up her hair with effortless grace, as if preparing for an afternoon tea.

"This slap," Audrey suddenly raised her hand, "is for the woman I was twenty years ago."

Willow staggered back, her hairpin clattering to the ground. With a scream, she lunged forward. "I'll kill you!"

The two women grappled in the wind as their bodyguards brawled nearby. Then a tall figure stepped between them.

Ethan gripped Willow's wrist, his voice icy. "Enough."

Willow stared at the face so similar to her enemy's and let out a hysterical laugh. "Your mother set fire to my son! Who are you to play the hero now?"

"Lies!" Audrey's face paled.

Waves crashed against the rocks, spraying foam over the three figures. Years of buried grudges erupted in that moment.