Kyle Grant stood by the bedside, his brow furrowed.

Sophia Laurent's cheeks were flushed with an unnatural fever, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

"Let's take her to the hospital," he said in a low voice.

Sophia weakly shook her head. "No need. The fever reducer will work soon."

Kyle turned to pour a glass of warm water and handed it to Ethan Sullivan.

Sophia forced herself to sit up, accepting the glass and taking a small sip.

The air in the room felt heavy.

After a moment of silence, Kyle finally spoke. "Call me if you need anything."

His retreating figure looked particularly lonely as he left.

Ethan walked him to the door and suddenly said, "You're a good man."

Kyle paused mid-step, offering a bitter smile before continuing on.

Once the door closed, Ethan returned to the bed and gently untied Sophia's robe.

"I can do it myself," she protested weakly.

But Ethan had already picked up a damp towel. "Stay still."

His hands moved with practiced care as he wiped her feverish skin, the familiarity of his motions heartbreaking.

Sophia remembered tending to him the same way when he'd been ill.

"You learn fast," she murmured.

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted. "I had a good teacher."

When the towel brushed her underarm, Sophia instinctively shrank back.

"Ticklish?"

"Mhm."

Ethan lightened his touch. "Better?"

She nodded, then hesitated. "About Kyle—"

"He'll find the right person," Ethan cut in softly. "Rest now."

As the medicine took effect, Sophia's eyelids grew heavier.

In her drowsy haze, she felt someone's hand lingering on her forehead.

At dawn's first light, Natalie Sullivan bounded to the bedroom door—only to freeze in surprise at the sight of Kyle standing in the hallway.

"Big bro, don't tell me you've been—"

"Just doing rounds," Kyle interjected quickly.

Natalie winked knowingly. "Sure, sure~"

Shane Prescott approached and clapped Kyle on the shoulder.

"Breakfast."

Those two words were enough to make Kyle follow.

Natalie's eyes widened. "Since when do you listen to him?"

She scampered after them, teasing, "Your ears are turning red~"

Kyle pulled out his phone and dialed Willow Grant.

"Mom, I'm taking you home."

Willow's displeased voice crackled through the line. "Can't I even have breakfast first?"

By the time Kyle reached the dining room, Willow had already claimed a corner table.

"Don't start anything," he warned under his breath.

Willow meticulously peeled a shrimp. "I just wanted to see how much Audrey Sullivan has aged."

The moment the words left her mouth, Audrey spotted her.

Their gazes locked like crossed swords.

Audrey shot to her feet and strode out without a backward glance.

Victor Sullivan hurried after her. "Audrey!"

Outside the hotel, Audrey walked briskly, her heels clicking against the pavement.

"Let me explain!" Victor panted as he caught up.

"What's there to explain?" Audrey's laugh was icy. "Having all three of your women in one place—must be thrilling, isn't it?"

Victor grabbed her arm. "I didn't know she'd come."

"Let go!"

"Never!"

As they struggled, Vincent Laurent approached.

"Need assistance?"

Audrey composed herself. "Actually, I'm heading back too. Shall we go together?"

Watching them walk away side by side, Victor's face darkened.

Suddenly, he shouted after them, his voice echoing across the island:

"Audrey! Wait for me!"