The motorcade headed toward Kyoto.

Sophia deliberately chose not to ride with Ethan this time.

She sat with Nicole and her daughter instead.

Nicole's arms were wrapped tightly around her child, her knuckles white. Her eyes were swollen, heavy with guilt and anguish.

The little girl's wounds had been bandaged.

Physical injuries would heal, but the scars on her soul might never fade.

Sophia gently touched Nicole's trembling shoulder. "I'll arrange therapy for Qiao."

Nicole shook her head. "Poor children aren't that fragile. After years in hiding, she's used to it. I just want this nightmare to end."

Sophia's chest tightened. "The Valentines dragged you into this."

Nicole's lips quivered. "I was weak. I betrayed Evelyn to save my father... I can never make it right."

Sophia squeezed her shoulder.

Choosing between family and loyalty—it was an impossible decision.

"Thank you for protecting me," Sophia murmured.

Nicole's tears finally broke free.

Twenty-four years of torment unraveled in that moment.

The convoy arrived in Kyoto.

Ethan secured Nicole's family in a guarded suburban villa.

These witnesses were too crucial to lose.

Once settled, he called Detective Kevin North.

Thirty minutes later, at Stone Group headquarters.

Raymond Stone personally greeted them at the elevator.

The ruthless tycoon wore a silk suit, his salt-and-pepper hair impeccably groomed. His smile vanished when he spotted Ethan's entourage.

"Here to accuse me, Mr. Sullivan?" Raymond narrowed his eyes.

Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Your nephew hired thugs to silence a witness—by force."

Raymond's face darkened. "Preposterous!"

"The target was an eyewitness to the Valentine kidnapping twenty-four years ago."

Raymond burst into laughter. "Suspect me? Theodore Valentine killed my wife and child! If I wanted revenge, I'd target his son!"

"Alexander was already dying," Ethan countered coldly.

Raymond slammed the table. "Bring Kevin here!"

Ten minutes later, a burly man with nouveau riche swagger entered.

Raymond struck him across the face. "Was this your doing?"

Kevin clutched his cheek, eyes darting. "It was Leopold! He said we had to eliminate all loose ends—"

Ethan's gaze turned glacial.

Leopold—Victoria's uncle.

Just as suspected.

The conference room door burst open.

Kevin North led a squad of officers inside. "Everyone, you're under arrest!"

When the handcuffs clicked around Kevin's wrists, he shot Raymond a loaded glance.

A glance that spoke volumes.