Theodore Valentine stood rigid in the center of the living room, his face ashen.

Never in his life had he been humiliated so publicly.

Vincent Laurent's piercing gaze cut through him like a blade. "Quite the display of authority, Mr. Valentine."

"You—" Theodore's fingers trembled with rage.

In one swift motion, Vincent grabbed a vase from the entryway.

"Dad!" Isabella shrieked, yanking Theodore's sleeve.

Sophia's eyes burned as she watched the father-daughter pair scramble away in panic.

She'd never seen Vincent lose his temper like this.

So this was how it felt to be protected by a father.

The childhood taunts of "bastard" dissolved into nothingness.

Ethan Sullivan moved to the window and dialed a number. "Terminate all contracts with Valentine Group."

His assistant's voice wavered. "Mr. Sullivan, but—"

"Tell Theodore Valentine that Alexander takes over, or the deal's off."

Hanging up, Ethan gently cupped Sophia's face. "Don't upset yourself. It's not good for the baby."

She shook her head. "I don't care."

And she truly didn't.

With a father like Vincent and a partner like Ethan, she was no longer that helpless little girl.

Vincent set down the compatibility report with regret. "Neither of us is a match."

"It's alright." Sophia forced a smile.

She didn't mention her match with Vincent Grandelle—perhaps proof of their blood ties. But that secret had to remain unspoken.

Three days later, a breakthrough came.

Isabella suddenly agreed to donate marrow.

Vincent Grandelle began preconditioning chemotherapy, enduring its brutal effects daily.

Sophia visited the hospital each morning, watching through glass as the old man grew frailer.

On the eve of the transplant, she finally exhaled, resting a hand on her barely visible bump.

Ethan embraced her from behind. "Shall we go baby shopping?"

In the boutique, Sophia's eyes sparkled as she held up a tiny pink onesie. "If it's a girl—"

"Boy or girl, I'll love them equally." Ethan took the garment from her.

Their cart soon overflowed with bottles, toys, even infant nail clippers.

"Look at this." Sophia showed him a parenting book. "From birth to age three..."

Ethan chuckled. "You've even picked out a puberty guide."

"I want to be a good mother." Her voice turned serious. "Not like your father."

"Then I'll be a better father." He tweaked her nose. "The best—even surpassing your dad."

Their laughter intertwined.

Walking home, Sophia suddenly said, "Let's remarry."

Ethan squeezed her hand. "Yes."

"How about 'Aisù' for the baby's nickname?"

"...Don't say it's tacky!"

The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the pavement.

Just as warmth settled between them, a shrill ringtone shattered the moment.

"Ms. Laurent! Isabella's disappeared! Mr. Grandelle's already undergone preconditioning—without the transplant..."

Sophia's phone clattered to the ground.

Her entire body shook as darkness clouded her vision.