The ambulance siren pierced the night sky.

Ethan Sullivan's slender fingers flew across his phone screen. After dialing 911, he ordered his bodyguards to call the police.

His gaze swept toward Vincent Laurent's car nearby. He made another call. "Father-in-law, don't let Evelyn get out of the car. Just tell her it's a minor accident. We'll handle it and return soon."

A brief silence hung on the line.

Vincent's voice came through. "Understood."

"Keep her away from the news these days."

"Don't worry."

After hanging up, Sophia Laurent lifted her head from his embrace, her eyes steady. "I'm fine."

Ethan ruffled her hair. "I don't want you having nightmares."

"I stopped having those long ago."

His attention shifted to Theodore Valentine, slumped in a pool of blood inside the car. His brow furrowed.

The 911 dispatcher had warned against moving the injured.

But blood gushed relentlessly from Theodore's abdomen.

They had to stop the bleeding.

Ethan's voice was grim. "Get towels."

Bodyguards swiftly produced several white towels.

He leaned toward the shattered window, carefully pressing the fabric against the wound.

Clink.

A crystal photo frame slid from the car.

Its sharp edges were smeared with bright red blood—the very weapon that had caused the injury.

Inside the frame, a younger Theodore stood proud and confident, while Evelyn Grandelle smiled gently, cradling a chubby Alexander Valentine in her arms.

A happy family of three.

Sophia turned her face away.

If only he'd cherished what he had back then.

If he hadn't strayed, hadn't entangled himself with those vipers, would any of this have happened?

Karma always collects its dues.

Ethan managed to stem the bleeding temporarily with the towels.

Sophia dialed Alexander's number. "Brother, your father's been in an accident on Riverside Drive."

Dead silence filled the line.

Seconds later, Alexander's voice tightened. "I'm on my way."

"Take... care of yourself."

After hanging up, Ethan studied Sophia. "Want to head back first?"

"I'll wait with you."

He sighed softly. "This will be hard for Alexander."

"I know."

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Paramedics loaded Theodore and his unconscious driver into the ambulance.

Once statements were given, Sophia accompanied Ethan to the hospital.

En route, he redirected Alexander to City General Hospital.

The operating room lights blazed.

Ethan swiped his card for the deposit.

Alexander arrived in haste, his suit jacket forgotten in the rush.

Ethan gripped his shoulder. "Stay strong."

"Thanks." Alexander pulled out his wallet. "The medical fees—"

"Don't be ridiculous."

Alexander insisted, but Ethan shook his head. "Sophia's your sister. Natalie's mine. What's yours is mine."

The three sat on the waiting room bench.

Alexander braced his hands on his knees, knuckles white.

Ethan kept his voice low. "The truck driver was drunk. He targeted your father's car. Raymond Stone's recent accident..."

"I suspect him too."

"But there's no proof."

Alexander rubbed his temples when his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, he forced energy into his voice. "Natalie."

"Alexander! Are you okay?" Natalie Sullivan's bright tones chimed through.

"In surgery. Don't worry."

"Who cares about him? I'm worried about you!"

The ghost of a smile touched Alexander's lips. "I'm fine."

"Liar! The company will be chaos. Those old foxes—"

"I can handle it."

Natalie huffed. "Ask Dad if you need help! Don't let his lazy act fool you—he's vicious when it counts. And my brother—"

Ethan, seated beside Alexander, arched a brow.

Such loyalty.

Alexander chuckled. "Your brother's right here."

The phone changed hands.

Natalie turned fierce. "Ethan! Protect my fiancé!"

"Obviously."

"Which hospital? I'm coming now!"

Alexander quickly leaned in. "It's too late. Don't."

"Then tomorrow!"

"Really, it's not—"

"End of discussion!"

After the call, the trio resumed their vigil.

Midnight came and went.

The surgery continued.

Alexander checked his watch. "You two should go."

Ethan left three bodyguards behind. "Rotate shifts. No mistakes."

As he led Sophia away, she glanced back.

Alexander sat alone on the bench, his silhouette achingly solitary.

Her heart clenched.

"He's been through so much."

Ethan tightened his grip on her hand. "Sick as a child. A mother lost to madness. A sister vanished. Raised under Diana's watch. And now this mess to clean up."

The night breeze stirred.

Sophia whispered, "Heavy lies the crown."