Vincent Laurent pushed open the door to find Sophia Laurent sitting motionless by the hospital bed.

He approached her quietly and spoke in a gentle tone. "Ethan is very worried about you."

At the mention of that name, Sophia's fingers trembled.

She lowered her lashes, casting shadows across her pale face.

Vincent sighed at the sight of her gaunt profile.

"Don't blame yourself too much."

Sophia shook her head, her voice hoarse. "I was too selfish."

The harsh sunlight through the window made her eyes sting.

She remembered Ethan's ever-smiling eyes.

Now what stood between them wasn't just misunderstandings—but blood.

Suddenly, Vincent pulled her into an embrace.

"Silly child."

Sophia's nose stung.

Days of forced composure crumbled in that moment.

She clutched at Vincent's sleeve like a lost child.

"Dad, you should leave," she suddenly pushed him away. "Those people are too dangerous."

Vincent chuckled. "At my age, do you think I fear such things?"

He ruffled her hair.

Sophia's eyes burned.

This feeling of being protected—it had been so long.

"Ethan has been struggling lately." Vincent handed her a glass of water. "The company's in chaos with Adrian circling like a vulture."

Sophia stared blankly at the water glass.

Her haggard reflection wavered on its surface.

"He said he'll make it up to you when things settle."

Sophia smiled bitterly.

What compensation could possibly exist between them now?

Vincent's tone shifted. "Victor's car accident has been covered up."

Sophia's head jerked up.

"Brake failure." Vincent studied her meaningfully. "Ethan asked me to tell you not to worry."

The tension in Sophia's shoulders eased slightly.

At least Kyle Grant was safe.

After seeing Vincent out, she found herself unlocking her phone.

News of Ethan dominated every feed.

In the video, he stood impeccably suited, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Sophia's fingertip traced the screen lightly.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, dappling her face with shifting patterns.

She didn't realize when she'd fallen asleep, phone still in hand.

This was the scene Kyle encountered when he entered.

He moved soundlessly closer.

Sophia curled in the chair like a fragile porcelain doll.

Kyle draped his coat over her.

As he picked up her phone, the screen still displayed Ethan's frozen image.

Without comment, Kyle locked the device.

Turning to the hospital bed, he began massaging Grace Langley's arm.

"Aunt Grace," he murmured, "Sophia can't hold on much longer."

A single tear slid from Grace's unresponsive eye.

The next morning, Kyle received a call from the police.

Hanging up, he told Sophia, "They've found two bodies."

Her water glass nearly slipped from her grasp.

"Eliminating witnesses?"

A glint of steel flashed in Kyle's eyes.

"No." He buttoned his suit jacket. "This is our breakthrough."

He turned to leave, pausing at the doorway.

"Wait for my message."