Sophia Laurent looked up.

A tall, imposing figure stood in the doorway of the hospital room.

Alexander Valentine's brow was furrowed with deep concern. He strode forward and grabbed the syringe from the nurse's hand. "Stop!"

The nurse recoiled, intimidated by his commanding presence.

"Mr. Valentine?" Sophia pushed herself up from the bed. "Did you find Isabella?"

Alexander shook his head, his Adam's apple bobbing. "No."

"But Master can't wait." Sophia clenched the sheets. "Any longer could cost his life."

"That doesn't mean you should risk yours." His voice was tight. "You're pregnant. I won't let you gamble with your life."

Sophia smiled bitterly. "He's been like a father to me."

"You're not his only disciple." Alexander stood firm. "This isn't your burden to bear."

As they deadlocked, a pungent perfume filled the air.

Victoria Windsor rushed in on stiletto heels. "Alexander! Your grandfather is dying!" She turned to Sophia, her eyes calculating. "Miss Laurent, please—"

"Enough!" Alexander cut her off sharply. "Why should an outsider pay for the Windsors' problems?"

Victoria's face twisted. "I'm his daughter! Of course I'm desperate! But the doctors said I can't donate—"

"Spare me." Alexander sneered. "You know exactly where Isabella is."

Silently, Sophia slid off the bed and headed for the door.

Victoria lunged and grabbed her arm. "You can't leave! My father will die!" She feigned kneeling, but a strong hand yanked her back.

"Get off!" Natalie Sullivan stormed in like an enraged lioness, seizing Victoria by the hair.

As they scuffled, Alexander quickly shielded Natalie. Victoria staggered and fell with a shrill scream.

"Let's go, sis!" Natalie pulled Sophia toward the exit, delivering a final kick to Victoria on their way out.

Outside the hospital, Ethan Sullivan stood alone in the biting wind.

He tucked Sophia's icy hand into his coat pocket, his voice hoarse. "I called Alexander."

Sophia leaned against his shoulder. "I know you meant well."

Ethan tightened his arm around her. "The doctor said—"

"I understand." She cut him off, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

Dead leaves swirled around them as their entwined shadows stretched long across the pavement.