"Get lost." The voice on the phone was icy. Theodore Valentine's hand trembled violently as he gripped his phone.

He stared at the screen in disbelief.

Sophia Laurent's number—no mistake there.

But that tone...

"Ethan?" Theodore forced down his anger. "It's me, your Uncle Theodore. Sophia's father."

A cold laugh came through the line.

"Stay away from Sophia." Ethan Sullivan's voice was like frozen steel.

Beads of sweat formed on Theodore's forehead. "I'm Type AB, just like her. The liver donation requirements are flexible—"

"Impossible." Ethan cut him off sharply.

"The liver regenerates!" Theodore pleaded desperately. "I'll give you 10% of Valentine Group's shares in exchange!"

Silence.

Theodore's heart pounded.

"Selling your wife for profit?" Ethan's voice dripped with scorn. "You insult me."

"Name your price, then!"

"All I want is Sophia safe and well."

Theodore clenched his fists. "She's my daughter!"

"Did you raise her for even a day? Teach her a single thing?" Ethan scoffed. "Your audacity is astounding."

The call ended with a sharp click.

Ethan tossed the pink phone onto the desk, his expression dark.

"Theodore?" Oliver Granger raised an eyebrow.

"Liver failure. Wants Sophia to donate." Ethan's voice was glacial. "Ignoring Isabella and targeting the vulnerable instead."

Oliver clicked his tongue. "Disgusting."

Ethan picked up the intercom. "Transfer all Valentine Group contracts to Alexander Valentine. Terminate them if they refuse."

Hanging up, he rubbed his temples.

"Power play?" Oliver smirked.

"Long overdue." Ethan's gaze was razor-sharp.

Back at Phoenix Cove, Iris Evans sidled up with a conspiratorial grin.

"Ethan, I've got Sophia under 24/7 watch!"

Ethan transferred eighty thousand to her account.

"You're the best!" Iris's eyes sparkled.

In the living room, Sophia sipped her tea.

"You're home early?" She glanced up.

Ethan sat beside her, his gaze lingering on the silver strands in her hair. His chest ached.

"Where's my phone?" She held out her hand.

"Let me borrow it for a few days." His expression didn't flicker.

Sophia arched a brow. "You? With a pink phone?"

"Proof of our love." He smiled faintly.

She shook her head in resignation.

Ethan pulled her close. "Stay in these next few days. There's a fugitive targeting beautiful women."

"Really?"

"Have I ever lied to you?" His face was the picture of sincerity.

Iris chimed in: "I'm too scared to even see Zachary now!"

Their seamless teamwork convinced Sophia.

Three days later, in the garden.

"Sophia!" A frail voice called out.

The elderly Mrs. Valentine clung to the iron gate, tears streaming.

"Your father's liver is failing. Isabella abandoned him. Will you help him?"

Bodyguards moved to shoo her away, but the old woman clung tighter.

"Just half a liver! It grows back!"

Sophia let out a cold laugh.

Iris wrapped her arms around her. "No donations! Ethan would be devastated!"

"Don't worry." Sophia patted her hand.

Approaching the gate, she met the old woman's hopeful gaze.

"That man is my mother's enemy." Sophia's voice was ice. "I wouldn't spare him a single hair."

The old woman's face twisted. "He's your father!"

"Isabella is his real daughter." Sophia turned away. "Let him die waiting."

Behind her, Iris stifled a laugh.

Mission accomplished.