Ethan's fingers paused on his phone screen. "Shane reached out to you first?"

Kyle slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Silas called. Said Shane got injured in Kyoto and asked me to look after him. Hinted the Sullivan family shouldn't get involved."

A flicker passed through Ethan's eyes. "I appreciate it."

Kyle's lips curved slightly. "No trouble at all."

"I owe you one."

Kyle met his gaze steadily. "You sent rescuers when my plane crashed two years ago. Consider this repayment."

Ethan rested a hand on his shoulder. "Anything but Sophia."

Kyle smiled without responding.

In his heart, he knew—nothing else mattered besides her.

He brushed off the hand lightly. "No need for chivalry. Just treat her right."

Something strange fluttered through Ethan's chest.

Gone in an instant.

"Sophia is my life."

"Remember those words." Kyle turned away, his posture straight as a pine.

Ethan watched until the elevator doors closed before returning to the hospital room.

Some burdens felt lighter once released.

Even former rivals seemed more tolerable now.

He'd never imagined becoming friends with Kyle Grant.

Pushing open the door, Ethan told Audrey, "Shane's with Kyle. He's safe."

Relief flashed in Audrey's eyes.

Then dimmed. "Willow raised a good son."

Thinking of Willow's obsessiveness, Ethan said flatly, "Richard deserves the credit."

Audrey massaged her temples. "All because of that old dog Victor's sins!"

The air turned heavy.

After a pause, Ethan spoke. "Dad claims he was blackout drunk that night."

Audrey scoffed. "Typical cheating excuse!"

"I've investigated. He never crossed lines at clubs."

She raised an eyebrow. "Your point?"

"A drunk man can't perform. There might be more to that story."

Audrey studied him.

Sighed deeply.

She walked to the window and dialed. "Victor, how do you deserve such sons?"

Victor sounded baffled. "What now?"

"You keep sabotaging Ethan and Sophia, yet he still defends you."

Silence on the line.

Audrey hung up.

Turning, she saw Ethan kissing Sophia's hand.

From fingertips to cheeks, until Sophia's ears flushed pink.

Sophia shot an embarrassed glance at Audrey.

Audrey immediately turned away. "My eyesight's failing. Carry on."

Sophia stifled a laugh.

This mother-in-law had seemed aloof at first, but revealed warmth over time.

She looked up at Ethan. "Half my reason for remarrying was your mom."

Audrey's eyes crinkled. "I had this son just to get you as my daughter-in-law."

Ethan's face darkened instantly.

Sophia scratched his palm playfully.

He captured her hand, tracing circles with his fingertips.

Audrey cleared her throat. "Doctor's orders—no intimacy for a month. After three months, if tests are clear, you can try for a baby. I'll leave."

Any longer and she'd start glowing brighter than the overhead lights.

Once the door closed, Ethan captured Sophia's lips.

She pushed him away. "Behave."

Laughing, he released her and texted Audrey Kyle's number.

"Visit Shane if you miss him. Stay safe."

Audrey chided, "Finally remembered your mother."

The next midnight.

Audrey arrived at the riverside apartment laden with bags.

The straps left red marks on her wrists.

Kyle opened the door and immediately took them. "You should've called for help."

Audrey panted. "A mother's strength is boundless."

Shane emerged.

Seeing his mother drenched in sweat, his nose stung.

This was maternal love.

Vast as mountains, deep as seas.

"Mom!"

Audrey's eyes reddened instantly. She rushed over, cradling his face. "You've lost weight."

"Scale says otherwise." Shane stiffened at the intimacy.

Kyle tactfully retreated to his room.

Shane guided his mother to sit.

His hand hovered awkwardly when he tried to massage her shoulders.

Audrey chuckled. "I'm your mother. No need for formalities."

Now he understood where his siblings got their easy affection.

Audrey examined his cast. "Still hurting?"

"Much better."

"I'll take you when they remove it in a month."

Shane stayed silent.

Audrey pulled out her phone. "Give me your ID. I'll buy you a place in Kyoto."

He shook his head.

Her expression fell. "You still see me as an outsider."

"That's not it."

"Then...consider turning yourself in." Audrey softened her voice. "I consulted a lawyer. Accomplices get three years max."

Shane's face tightened.

"I'll hire the best attorney. Afterwards, you can live openly."

He lowered his gaze. "But my adoptive father—"

Audrey's heart chilled. "Child, you care too much for others."

Shane clenched his fists. "He raised me."