Shane Prescott tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "I don't like Adrian Sullivan."

Kyle Grant took a sip of his tea. "Ambitious yet pretending to be harmless—that's the most dangerous kind of person."

Shane smirked. "An honest villain is far more likable than a hypocrite."

Kyle glanced at him. "That's why we can be friends."

Meanwhile, the rejected Adrian slid into his sports car and dialed a number. "Grandfather, they refused."

A cold snort came through the phone. "Ungrateful fools!"

"Especially Kyle Grant. I'll make him pay sooner or later."

"Patience. There's plenty of time."

"Should I head back now?"

"Remember, even if you can't win them over, drive a wedge between them and Ethan Sullivan."

"Understood."

The next morning, Sophia Laurent received a gold-embossed spa membership card from Audrey Sullivan—a VIP annual pass to an elite salon, its gilded letters gleaming in the sunlight.

She called immediately. "Mom, this is too extravagant."

Audrey's laughter was warm. "The wedding's approaching. Take good care of yourself. I want everyone to see how beautiful my daughter-in-law is."

Hanging up, Sophia's eyes brimmed with emotion.

That afternoon, she brought Evelyn Grandelle to the salon. Crystal chandeliers cast dazzling reflections, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.

Three hours later, mother and daughter emerged from their treatments radiant.

As Sophia signed the receipt at the front desk, a shrill voice cut in from behind. "Well, if it isn't Mrs. Sullivan!"

Turning, Sophia raised an eyebrow at the sight of Victoria Windsor and her daughter Isabella.

The once-elegant socialite now had hollowed cheekbones, and Isabella's dress showed signs of wear at the hem.

"Can I help you?" Sophia's tone was cool.

Isabella glanced at the price list and sneered. "How nouveau riche."

Sophia smiled. "Can't even afford to renew your spa membership as the eldest Sullivan grandson's wife?"

Isabella's face darkened.

In the elevator, Victoria remarked snidely, "Some people have all the luck—even after losing their minds, they still land a catch like Vincent Laurent."

Evelyn tightened her grip on her daughter's hand.

"Vincent has been widowed for years. Why don't you introduce us, sis?" Victoria simpered, edging closer.

Sophia suddenly held up a mirror. "Take a look at yourself first. See if you're even worthy."

When Victoria raised her hand to smash it, Sophia lowered her voice. "The surface is coated with cadaveric toxin. One touch will rot your skin."

Watching Victoria flee in panic, Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"Mom, it's just glycerin and perfume," Sophia said with a wink.

Evelyn stroked her daughter's hair. "With me here, you'll always be my little girl."

On the wedding eve, Ethan insisted on driving Sophia back to the Laurent residence.

When the car stopped at the wrought-iron gates, he refused to let go of her hand.

"We'll see each other tomorrow morning," Sophia said helplessly.

"I don't want to be apart for even a minute," Ethan murmured, pulling her closer.

As the streetlights flickered on, he kissed her deeply, their silhouettes merging on the cobblestone path like a painting.

Nearby, Evelyn and Vincent exchanged knowing smiles.

Moonlight bathed their farewell in tender hues.