Victor Sullivan sat grimly on the leather sofa, his fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest. "Business is a battlefield. Sentimentality leads to defeat. The Sullivan family's success was built on clear-headed pragmatism."

Sophia Laurent's fingertips trembled slightly.

The humiliation from that day in the café flashed vividly in her mind.

She took a deep breath and gently pulled her hand away from Ethan's grasp. "Uncle, I'd like to speak with you alone."

Victor snorted coldly and stood, striding toward the study.

Ethan moved to follow, but Sophia shook her head at him. "Let me handle this."

Inside the study, William Sullivan was practicing calligraphy.

"Ah, Sophia." The old man set down his brush with a kind smile.

Sophia bowed respectfully. "Grandfather."

Victor slapped a stack of documents onto the table. "Sign these. Ethan's compensation is more than generous. Don't be ungrateful."

Sophia took the agreement, her fingers brushing the paper.

Without hesitation, she signed her name.

"Good." Victor collected the papers with satisfaction. "A wise man knows when to yield."

Sophia straightened her posture. "You overestimate my motives, Uncle. I've never relied on handouts."

William suddenly slammed his brush down.

Ink splattered across the rice paper, spreading like a dark stain.

"Sophia..." The old man's voice cracked. "Visit us often."

Sophia's nose stung.

She swallowed her tears and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Grandfather."

As she exited the study, Ethan immediately approached.

His long fingers grazed her pale cheek. "Did they upset you?"

Sophia shook her head, her eyes shimmering.

Eleanor embraced her with trembling arms. "Child, reconsider..."

"Take care of your health, Grandmother." Sophia spoke softly. "Remember your medication."

Victor interrupted impatiently. "Enough melodrama. The compensation we're offering—"

"Silence!" Eleanor snapped. "Get out!"

Dinner passed in tense silence.

As they rose from the table, Ethan insisted on driving her home.

The car ride was suffocatingly quiet.

"See you Monday." Sophia unbuckled her seatbelt.

Ethan suddenly seized her wrist.

His gaze darkened. "Are you certain about this?"

"Yes." Her voice was calm. "Sign the papers, and we'll finalize it at the courthouse on Monday."

Ethan chuckled lowly. "Finally free?"

"That's right." She stared out the window. "No more being someone's burden."

His fingers traced the scars on her hand.

Ethan massaged her slender fingers gently. "I wanted to help with your rehabilitation."

"Unnecessary." She forced a smile. "Your compensation is more than enough."

He abruptly pulled her closer.

As their foreheads touched, Sophia heard his hoarse whisper:

"Stay."