Sophia gently closed the hospital room door, careful not to disturb Vincent's rest.

In the hallway, she paused and turned to Kyle. "Don't do this again. You'll make enemies."

Kyle's lips curved slightly. "Do I look like someone who cares about making enemies? With people like her, swift action is necessary."

"Master meant well. He wanted to compensate me."

"The more you yield, the more they'll push." Kyle's gaze turned icy. "A man of his wisdom, blinded by an actress."

The mention of her mother stung Sophia's heart.

Evelyn had endured so much suffering all these years with quiet grace.

Before parting, Sophia retrieved a key from her bag. "Stay at my grandfather's place. Everything's ready."

As Kyle took the key, his fingers brushed against her palm.

Returning to Phoenix Cove, Sophia froze at the sight before her.

A line of luxury cars stretched down the street as Victor's assistant directed workers unloading betrothal gifts.

"Madam, Mr. Sullivan said these were prepared long ago."

Sophia scoffed.

After all his scheming to keep them apart, now that Vincent planned to leave her his fortune, Victor couldn't change his tune fast enough.

Businessmen truly valued profit above all.

She accepted the gifts without hesitation—gold for her adoptive mother, properties as investments.

When Victor called pressuring her about children, Sophia hung up immediately.

That evening, Ethan barely had his tie loosened before Sophia threw herself into his arms.

"Your father today—"

"Ignore him." Ethan tilted her chin up for a kiss. "Surviving his antics without going mad proves my resilience."

Night deepened.

In their bedroom, Ethan's kisses drifted like feathers across her skin.

Sophia kept her eyes closed, savoring the warmth of his lips tracing her body.

Their first intimacy since his bone marrow donation—he treated her with exceptional care.

At the peak of passion, Sophia felt weightless as clouds.

Afterward, she rested against his chest. "Let's try for a baby next year. We'll name her Aisù."

"No rush." Ethan stroked her back. "Your health comes first."

"I need to attend Kyle's grandmother's funeral the day after tomorrow."

Ethan's fingers stilled briefly. "Take Natalie with you."

The burial day brought an unseasonal chill.

Sophia bundled up like winter, while Natalie wore only a light coat.

As drizzle fell after the service, Sophia stood lost in thought beneath a pear tree when an umbrella appeared above her.

Natalie dashed over. "Use my umbrella, sis!"

At dinner, the moment Kyle placed shredded potatoes near Sophia, Natalie snatched the plate away.

"That's for my sister-in-law!"

Laughter filled the room.

An engine growled outside.

Ethan stepped out of the car, and Natalie bounded over to claim credit.

"I worked so hard today. You owe me."

"What do you want?"

Natalie grinned mischievously. "Call me sister-in-law!"