Victoria Windsor's nails dug deep into her palms.

She glared at the thick-necked man before her. "Who do you think you are? You dare speak to me?"

Hammer Ulrich grinned, revealing yellowed teeth. "Twenty years apart, and you're still as fiery as ever."

He reached out to touch her face.

Victoria recoiled sharply, her high heels nearly twisting beneath her.

"Get away from me!" she snapped.

Undeterred, Hammer stepped closer. "Still playing the prude? Back at the nightclub—"

"Shut up!" Victoria's face darkened as she raised her hand to strike him.

Hammer caught her wrist effortlessly. "Touched a nerve?"

His rough fingers traced her delicate skin. "You've aged well—even softer than before."

Victoria's stomach churned.

She struggled violently, but couldn't break free from the man whose prison years had honed brute strength.

"Let me go, or you'll regret it!"

Hammer scoffed. "You? Threatening me?"

Leaning in, he whispered, "Don't forget—I know all your secrets."

Victoria froze.

Fifty meters away.

Theodore Valentine's wheelchair jolted.

"Who is that man?" His voice trembled.

Alexander Valentine remained calm. "Hammer Ulrich. Recently released inmate. Type AB blood. Liver match."

"And Victoria—"

"Strangers." Alexander cut him off. "You should prepare for surgery."

Theodore stared at the distant pair, a shadow flickering in his clouded eyes.

"Investigate him."

"Already done." Alexander turned the wheelchair away. "Clean background. Just a donor."

Theodore sneered. "Do you take me for a fool?"

Alexander stayed silent.

Outside the operating room.

Victoria arrived hastily, her makeup glaringly perfect.

"Darling..." She reached for Theodore's hand.

He shoved her away. "Get out!"

Tears welled in her eyes. "I know I was wrong..."

"Does Isabella's agreement still stand?" she ventured timidly.

Theodore closed his eyes. "Take me in."

Nurses wheeled him away.

Victoria stared at the sealed doors, nails biting into her palms.

Five hours later.

"The surgery was successful." The doctor removed his mask.

Alexander exhaled in relief.

In the hospital room.

Victor Sullivan slammed supplements onto the table.

"You look worse than my grandfather's tabby cat."

Theodore gave a pained smile. "Almost met my maker."

"If Sophia had donated her liver—"

"Enough!" Victor erupted. "Mention that again, and we're done!"

The Valentine matriarch entered with a bowl. "Son, I made you some congee..."

Noticing Victor, she pivoted. "If only Sophia had donated! My poor boy suffered needlessly!"

Victor's fist smashed into the wall.

"You vile witch! What does Sophia owe you?"

He overturned a chair. "Lay one finger on my daughter-in-law again, and the Valentines will pay dearly!"

The door slammed violently behind him.

Theodore watched the trembling doorframe and suddenly laughed.

"Victor always protects his own."