Ethan Sullivan took Sophia Laurent's hand and turned to leave.

The night was ink-black.

Streetlights cast hazy halos through the car windows into the darkness.

Silence filled the vehicle.

Sophia kept her gaze lowered, long lashes casting shadows across her cheeks.

Ethan pulled her close, his thumb brushing her cool skin. "Isabella's words aren't worth your attention."

Sophia remained quiet.

Vincent Laurent had always been evasive about her birth mother.

The secrecy only deepened her unease.

"Love child" stabbed her heart like a thorn.

Her phone rang abruptly.

"Sophia?" Vincent's voice came through the receiver.

She managed a faint response.

"Pass the phone to Ethan."

Ethan took it and summarized the auction incident.

A pause stretched on the other end.

"Sophia," Vincent's tone turned solemn, "your mother comes from impeccable lineage. A woman of noble character."

Her eyes brightened. "Truly?"

"Her absence isn't about status. She simply can't meet you yet."

Sophia's tense shoulders relaxed. "I can wait."

"Remember—you'll always be our most treasured gift."

After hanging up, Vincent lit a cigarette by his car.

The psychiatric hospital loomed indistinct in the darkness.

A sedan pulled up abruptly.

"Uncle Vincent?" Alexander Valentine approached swiftly.

Vincent stubbed out his cigarette. "Car trouble."

"Need assistance?"

"Unnecessary." Vincent studied him. "Hospital visit at this hour?"

"Mother's condition fluctuates." Alexander hesitated. "Care to join me?"

Vincent shook his head.

Dawn arrived.

Victor Sullivan summoned Ethan to his office.

"The company's transitioning to renewable energy." He tapped the desk. "The Laurents would make ideal partners."

Ethan smirked coldly. "How resourceful of you."

"Business marriages are timeless traditions." Victor sipped his tea. "I provide luxury—you reciprocate. Fair exchange."

"I've never neglected company affairs."

Victor's gaze turned knowing. "This tests the Laurents' sincerity toward Sophia."

Ethan slammed the door on his way out.

Adrian Sullivan intercepted him in the hallway. "Father upset you again?"

Upon learning the reason, Adrian immediately researched the Laurent family back in his office.

His expression darkened with each document.

Weekend sunlight bathed the private island.

Vincent approached with three handsome young men.

"Your cousins."

Sophia greeted them politely.

Julian Laurent spread his arms for a hug—blocked by Ethan.

"She's allergic to male contact."

Julian laughed incredulously. "Since when?"

"I'm the exception." Ethan deadpanned.

Sophia stifled a giggle.

During surfing lessons, all four men hovered with instructions.

Amid flying spray, Sophia's laughter sparkled.

On the shore, Victor addressed Vincent over drinks. "Shall we discuss wedding arrangements?"

Vincent took a leisurely sip. "No rush. Our Sophia deserves nothing but the best."