Detective Zhao's voice came through the phone. "The time span is too large. We couldn't extract any viable clues from the clothing Grace Langley provided. That hospital's surveillance footage from twenty-three years ago is long gone. And with your request for discretion, this case is truly challenging."

Vincent Laurent pressed slender fingers to his temple. "The killer lurks in the shadows. Making a scene would only alert them and put Sophia in danger."

"Understood. We'll investigate covertly."

"Appreciate your efforts."

Ending the call, Vincent gazed at the psychiatric hospital in the distance.

Pale light seeped through iron-barred windows.

Inside those walls resided a woman who was once gentle as water.

Now only a hollow shell remained.

He crushed his cigarette and accelerated away.

Passing the Valentine mansion, disgust flashed in his eyes as he sharply increased speed.

As if lingering even a second would taint him.

The next morning...

Ethan Sullivan handed Sophia Laurent the paternity test report.

The result remained unchanged: Biological father confirmed.

Sophia chuckled. "You're overly cautious. What would the Laurent family gain from this?"

Ethan ruffled her hair. "Didn't you ever doubt it?"

"At first I thought he seemed too young." Sophia lifted her face. "But that innate resemblance couldn't be faked. I lived with my adoptive mother for twenty years without ever feeling this connection."

"As long as you're happy." Ethan drew her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Night fell...

Ethan escorted Sophia to a charity gala.

The striking couple commanded attention the moment they entered.

During the sixth auction item, an emerald necklace graced the display.

The gemstone shimmered with luminous green under the lights.

Sophia raised her paddle. "One million one hundred thousand."

A honeyed female voice rang from the corner. "One million two hundred thousand."

Sophia turned to meet Isabella Valentine's挑衅 gaze.

"Two million," Sophia countered calmly.

Isabella's face tightened. "Two million one hundred thousand," she gritted out.

"Three million." Sophia's expression didn't flicker.

The crowd murmured.

Isabella turned pale but forced out, "Three million one hundred thousand."

Ethan squeezed Sophia's fingers. "Bid five."

With an amused smile, Sophia lifted her paddle. "Five million."

Isabella trembled. "Five... five million one hundred thousand."

The room held its breath.

Sophia set down her paddle.

"Sold!" The auctioneer's gavel struck excitedly.

Isabella looked as if plunged into an ice bath.

Frantically texting Adrian Sullivan for help, she received no response.

As the event concluded, Sophia overheard Isabella sobbing into her phone: "Adrian, we're supposed to get married—"

The call ended abruptly.

Isabella whirled and saw Sophia. "Happy now?" she spat.

Sophia's冷笑 was icy. "Overestimating yourself."

"Love child!" Isabella suddenly shrieked. "You're just a bastard!"

Sophia seized her throat. "Say that again."

"Bastard!" Isabella sneered.

A sharp slap echoed.

As Isabella raised her hand to retaliate, Ethan yanked her away.

"Your mother was the other woman." His gaze was glacial. "You're not worthy to touch a single strand of Sophia's hair."

Tears streamed down Isabella's face. "Ethan, we grew up together—"

"Knowing you is my life's greatest regret." Each word pierced like a blade.