Ethan reached out and lightly pushed Natalie's fluffy head. "Stop fooling around."

The petite Natalie stumbled backward from the nudge.

Sophia quickly steadied her.

Natalie rubbed her head and complained, "Sophia, your husband is bullying me! I came all the way to this backwater to help him fend off love rivals, and this is how he repays me?"

Sophia shot Ethan a reproachful look. "What's wrong with calling me 'sister-in-law'?"

Natalie gazed at Ethan with hopeful eyes.

She had waited far too long to hear that word.

Ethan gave her a cool glance. "No respect for hierarchy."

Turning to Sophia, his voice softened with affection. "You're the sister-in-law. You should command authority."

Sophia smiled gently. "Why stand on ceremony with family?"

Natalie chimed in, "Exactly. It won't cost you anything to say it."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Looking for trouble?"

Suddenly, Natalie said, "I think Kyle is more gentle and considerate than you..."

Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He immediately dialed Alexander's number. "Come pick up your Natalie, or I'll throw her to the wolves."

Alexander's voice was urgent. "Where are you? I'll be right there!"

Sophia snatched the phone. "Alex, they're just joking. There are no wolves around here."

Only then did Alexander relax.

Late at night, in the quiet darkness.

Ethan tossed and turned on the hard bed, unable to sleep.

Sophia sighed softly. "We're going back tomorrow. Was this trip really necessary?"

Ethan cradled her cold feet against his chest. "I was worried your feet would keep you awake."

Warmth flooded Sophia's heart as she buried her face in his chest.

Ethan's gaze darkened.

What truly unsettled him was Kyle.

That man was dangerous—and he shared a childhood bond with Sophia.

The next morning, at their farewell.

Kyle hesitated, as if wanting to say something.

In the end, he simply said, "Safe travels."

Ethan patted his shoulder. "My condolences."

Natalie bounded over, blinking her large eyes. "Kyle, you must find happiness, okay?"

Kyle smiled bitterly. "Thank you."

What happiness could there be in a world without Sophia?

As their convoy drove out of the village, a group of elderly villagers blocked the road.

The village chief, clutching a speech draft, said excitedly, "Thank you for building the roads and bridges..."

Sophia's eyes grew moist.

The chief extended his calloused hand.

After a brief hesitation and a glance from Sophia, Ethan reluctantly shook it.

The elders insisted on gifting them homegrown vegetables.

Sophia accepted each one graciously.

Inside the car, Ethan wiped his hands repeatedly with a sanitizing wipe.

"You gave each of them 200,000. That's a fortune to them."

Ethan replied calmly, "The company has always done charity work, but this was different."

He looked at Sophia intently. "You taught me what true kindness is."

Sophia was taken aback. "Someone as dull as me..."

"Actions speak louder than words." Ethan pulled her into his arms. "Your unwavering loyalty back then was the greatest confession."

Sophia's throat tightened as she hugged him back fiercely.

True love needs no grand declarations.