Sophia's fingers trembled slightly.

Ethan had discovered the truth so quickly.

She recalled Victor's warning and suppressed her turbulent emotions, forcing calm into her voice. "We've already discussed the divorce."

Ethan's long fingers traced her spine. "I've been avoiding Isabella deliberately these days."

A cold smile touched Sophia's lips despite the warmth in her eyes. "You two are perfectly matched. I was just a temporary caretaker. Now that you've recovered, it's time for me to step aside."

Her words stabbed Ethan's heart like knives.

He pulled her closer.

His tall frame enveloped her as he murmured, "You're my lawfully wedded wife."

The words pierced Sophia's heart. She laughed bitterly. "You were the one who asked for divorce. Now you refuse to sign the papers. What am I to you, Ethan?"

Her rare sharpness silenced him.

After a pause, Ethan began, "At that time—"

"Let's end this." Sophia cut him off abruptly. "Dragging it out helps no one."

Ethan slowly released her.

His deep gaze traced her pale face.

"Grandmother won't agree."

Sophia turned away. "I'll explain it to her with you this weekend."

Ethan pressed a kiss to her forehead, his voice barely audible. "Alright."

That single word weighed heavily on Sophia's chest.

She reached to unbutton his suit jacket.

Ethan stopped her hand. "Keep it on."

He smoothed her wind-tousled hair. "Take care of yourself."

Sophia's nose stung. "You too. Keep your wound dry."

The black sedan vanished into the night.

Sophia rubbed the cufflink between her fingers, her smile more painful than tears.

Some divides could never be crossed, no matter how hard one tried.

Returning to the hospital room, she found Grace absent.

Dr. Julian stood by the bed recording data.

"Where's Dr. Qiu?" Sophia asked.

"He took leave." Julian closed the medical chart. "About what your mother said earlier—"

"She was joking." Sophia hurried to explain.

Julian hesitated, then nodded and left.

Saturday evening at Sullivan Manor.

Eleanor beamed at Sophia. "Any news of a baby?"

Sophia lowered her eyes. "Grandmother, we're getting divorced."

The elderly woman's smile froze. "Last time you promised me great-grandchildren."

Silence answered her.

Understanding dawned. Eleanor glared at Ethan. "Isabella again?"

Ethan replied evenly, "Sophia and I are fine."

Eleanor slammed the table and summoned Victor with one call.

Victor's face darkened the moment he saw Sophia.

His contemptuous gaze carved into her heart.

Ethan shielded her in his arms.

Eleanor unleashed her fury. "You stayed silent when Ethan was in a wheelchair! Now that he's recovered, you're chasing her away? Have you no humanity?"

Victor's face turned ashen.

The mighty chairman of Sullivan Group had never been berated like this.