Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but Willow Grant's gaze was colder than ice.

Her nails dug deep into her palms as she stared at the embracing couple in the distance. "All men are scum!"

Kyle Grant set down his chopsticks, his voice low. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Satisfied?" Willow scoffed. "Not until Victor Sullivan dies in front of me!"

He placed a piece of fish in her bowl. "The car accident already made him suffer enough. Let it go."

"Let it go?" Her voice rose sharply. "I curse him to die a miserable death! To lose his family! To have no one visit his grave!"

The veins on Kyle's hand bulged as he gripped his chopsticks.

He had heard these words since childhood.

Once consumed by hatred, he had only learned tenderness after meeting Sophia Laurent. Later, Richard Grant taught him forgiveness. Without them, he might have been behind bars by now.

The faint clink of porcelain sounded behind him.

Kyle turned abruptly.

Natalie Sullivan stood three steps away, her face pale. A steaming plate of braised bear paw with orchids trembled in her hands.

"How long have you been there?" he asked, standing.

"J-just now." Her eyes darted away as she hastily set the plate on the table. "This is delicious. Try it."

She spun to leave, but Kyle blocked her path.

"Natalie..."

"Why is she cursing my father?" Natalie whirled around, fixing Willow with a piercing stare.

Willow's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Because your father ruined my life."

"That's impossible!" Natalie's voice shook. "My father loves my mother more than anything!"

"Love?" Willow let out a shrill laugh. "He forced himself on me when he was dr—"

"Mother!" Kyle cut her off sharply. "The cruise tickets are already booked."

Willow ignored him, continuing to taunt Natalie. "What do you rich people know besides lying?"

Natalie turned and ran.

She reached Ethan Sullivan's door, her finger hovering over the bell before pulling back. Pressing her ear against the wood, she heard only silence.

Pulling out her phone, she typed furiously: Stupid brother, get out here now!

Five minutes later.

Ethan opened the door and let her drag him to the rooftop garden.

"What's wrong?" He frowned as his sister suddenly hugged him.

Natalie buried her face in his chest. "I like Kyle, but I hate his mother."

"Understandable." He pushed her away gently. "But keep your distance."

"Did Dad really..." She looked up, her eyes red.

Ethan rubbed his temples. "Ancient history. Don't bring it up."

"I don't believe it!" She stomped her foot. "Dad treats Mom so well!"

"Only you think that." He flicked her forehead. "People would laugh if they heard you."

Natalie dodged his hand. "I'll prove Kyle isn't Dad's son!"

"We have witnesses and evidence." Ethan smirked. "Want to pluck my hair for a paternity test?"

"Fine!"

She yanked out several strands and dashed off—only to burst into Alexander Valentine's room instead.

Alexander was adjusting his tie when she barged in. He immediately stepped forward. "What's wrong?"

Natalie collapsed onto the couch. "I'm so pissed!"

"Who upset you?" He crouched to meet her eyes.

"Family drama. Not telling!"

He chuckled. "Am I an outsider?"

Pouting, she blurted out, "Kyle is my real brother."

Alexander showed no surprise. He stood and retrieved a velvet pouch. "Look at this."

Natalie opened it slowly, then gasped.

A 20-carat pink diamond sparkled under the light.

"Is this..."

Alexander knelt on one knee, taking her hand. "Natalie, marry me."