Sophia's phone suddenly rang.

She frowned at the caller ID—Ethan Sullivan.

"Mother, why did you contact Sophia?" His deep voice carried through the line.

Audrey chuckled dryly. "Since when does a mother need permission to speak with her daughter-in-law?"

"Don't make things difficult for her."

She hung up abruptly and handed the phone back to Sophia with a sigh. "That boy guards you like a prized artifact."

Sophia accepted the device, warmth blooming in her chest as she recalled Audrey defending her at the boutique earlier.

"Mother, Ethan just—"

"I know." Audrey waved dismissively. "That stubborn boy is hopelessly overprotective."

She took a sip of coffee. "Truthfully, I returned specifically to meet you."

Sophia blinked in surprise.

"Natalie wouldn't stop singing your praises." Audrey's lips curved. "I had to see what kind of woman could make my son so devoted."

Sophia's ears grew warm.

"Now that I have..." Audrey appraised her with a knowing look. "You exceed expectations."

The café door burst open.

Ethan strode inside, his gaze instantly locking onto Sophia. He closed the distance in three long strides.

"Everything alright?" His voice dropped to a murmur.

Sophia fought a smile. "Of course. Your mother's been wonderful."

She gestured to the gift-laden table. "These are all from her."

Only then did Ethan's shoulders relax. He turned to Audrey. "Mother, you should've announced your return."

Audrey arched a brow. "And miss seeing you panic? Never."

For once, the unflappable CEO looked flustered.

Watching their banter, Sophia couldn't suppress a laugh.

On Audrey's birthday, Sullivan Manor glittered with light.

Sophia entered the grand hall in the Galaxy Gown Audrey had gifted her, immediately drawing every eye.

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

Audrey swept forward, linking arms with Sophia. "Allow me to introduce my daughter-in-law, Sophia Laurent."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Since when did Ethan marry?"

"When's the wedding?"

Audrey merely smiled enigmatically, her proud gaze fixed on Sophia.

A shrill voice cut through the murmurs.

"Well, if it isn't Sophia Laurent."

Margaret Sullivan approached with a champagne flute, her smirk dripping condescension. "No dress can disguise common origins."

Before Sophia could respond, Audrey's expression frosted over.

"Margaret, mind your tongue."

Margaret scoffed. "Did I lie? She's just—"

"My wife answers to no one."

Ethan materialized behind Sophia, his glacial stare silencing Margaret mid-sentence.

Sophia turned, her breath catching at his impeccably tailored tuxedo.

"Darling," she murmured.

His fingers interlaced with hers in a possessive grip.

"Pay no mind to petty distractions." His whisper feathered against her ear. "You outshine them all."

Heat flooded her cheeks as he guided her away beneath a storm of envious stares.

Audrey watched their retreating figures—the perfect matched set—and nodded in approval.

This was the daughter-in-law she'd always envisioned.