Half a month later.

Sophia Laurent lay on the operating table, squinting slightly under the harsh glare of the surgical lights.

The hysteroscopic surgery was underway.

Audrey Sullivan sat on a bench outside the operating room, her fingers unconsciously tracing the smooth surface of the mutton-fat jade Buddha pendant at her chest.

The pendant remained as warm and polished as ever, yet it reminded her of that stubborn figure.

"Where is that boy Shane now?" she murmured to herself.

Footsteps echoed from the end of the corridor.

Audrey jerked her head up, only to lower her lashes in disappointment when she recognized the approaching figure.

Victor Sullivan strode closer with a cup of coffee. "Brought this for you."

"Don't need it." She turned her face away.

He pressed it into her hand anyway. "Drink it while it's hot."

Audrey smirked coldly. "What? Afraid I'll die and claim your family fortune?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Victor frowned as he sat down. "How's Sophia's condition?"

"Minor procedure."

After a pause, Victor ventured, "If she still can't conceive—"

"Shut up!" Audrey snapped. "One more word and you can leave."

Victor clamped his mouth shut, chastened.

The operating room doors swung open.

Sophia was wheeled out still groggy from anesthesia. Spotting Ethan Sullivan, she grinned dopily. "Honey, I had twins!"

Ethan's heart clenched. He shot the doctor a questioning look.

"Normal reaction to general anesthesia," the doctor explained.

In the hospital room, Ethan carefully tucked the blanket around Sophia.

"Does it hurt?" he asked softly.

She shook her head. "Just a little cold."

Ethan immediately summoned a nurse to place a heating pad beneath the IV line.

A jarring ringtone interrupted the moment.

It was Kyle Grant.

"I'm at the hospital," Sophia said.

A beat of silence on the other end. "Which room?"

After hanging up, Sophia turned to Ethan. "Did you tell him to come?"

Ethan snorted. "He would've come even if I hadn't said anything."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a knock sounded at the door.

Kyle stood in the doorway, arms laden with bags of nutritional supplements piled like a small mountain.

"I was passing by," he offered stiffly.

Ethan arched a brow. "Special promotion at the supplement store today?"

Ignoring the jab, Kyle's gaze settled on Sophia's pale face. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she smiled.

An awkward silence descended.

Kyle cleared his throat. "I should go."

Ethan stood. "I'll walk you out."

At the corridor's bend, Kyle suddenly stopped.

"Shane's with me," he said in a low voice. "Perfectly safe."

Ethan's eyes flickered. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Kyle turned on his heel and walked away, his posture straight as a pine.

Watching his retreating figure, Ethan's lips curved slightly.

This rival of his was truly a man of honor.