I was staring blankly out the window when the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, I found Audrey Sullivan and Victor Sullivan standing outside.

Audrey carried nothing, while Victor lugged multiple shopping bags like an attendant.

"Mom, I thought you said you'd visit another day?" I asked, surprised.

Audrey slipped off her shoes. "Business trip came up. Wanted to see you before I leave." Her sharp gaze turned to Victor. "Has this old fool been giving you trouble?"

"Not really," I murmured.

Audrey immediately understood. "So he has."

Victor shot me a pleading look.

"Really, he hasn't," I said with a conciliatory smile.

Audrey scoffed. "Did you threaten Sophia just now?"

"God strike me dead!" Victor waved his hands frantically. "I only came to deliver supplements. I've been watching my words."

I nodded in confirmation. "Dad really just brought gifts."

Audrey's lips thinned. "That accomplice Isabella getting house arrest? Your eldest son pulled strings. If you hadn't spoiled him rotten, would he dare act so recklessly?"

"I didn't enable him this time," Victor said miserably. "I told Adrian to terminate the pregnancy, but he refused. Strange—he rejected that child two years ago, yet insists on keeping this one."

My heart clenched.

Audrey's expression turned glacial. "How noble—'the child is innocent.'"

She said nothing more, walking straight to the sofa.

Victor poured tea eagerly. "Dinner tonight?"

"The sight of you kills my appetite," Audrey said bluntly.

Victor fell silent.

They left soon after.

When Ethan returned that evening, the supplements told him about their visit.

From his coat, he produced a blue velvet jewelry box and fastened a blue diamond necklace around my neck.

"Same stone as your ring," he whispered against my ear.

The necklace glittered brilliantly in the mirror.

"Adrian's doing this deliberately," Ethan said, arms circling my waist. "He'll reap what he sows."

My hand drifted to my abdomen. "It's my fault—"

"Fate envies your perfection," he murmured, kissing my forehead. "Good things take time."

The kiss held no passion—it wasn't ovulation day.

"Maybe we should try IVF," I suggested.

Ethan suddenly tightened his embrace. "The hormone shots hurt. Egg retrieval is painful too, with all the risks... Let's keep trying naturally."

I leaned against his shoulder, heart aching.

Three days later, Shane Prescott called, requesting my help restoring Han Dynasty murals.

"I'll take all precautions," I assured Ethan. "Work helps distract me."

He ruffled my hair. "As long as you're not entering tombs, I support you."

At the conservation institute, Shane looked noticeably tanned, his features more defined.

Despite efforts, Silas Prescott had received a life sentence. Shane got probation for cooperating and could now work normally.

"How's Luna?" I asked as we walked.

"Good," he smiled.

"Any engagement plans?"

Shane stayed silent—Luna's parents still objected.

After a full day's work, we exited the institute.

Two luxury cars waited outside.

As Ethan approached me, Victor moved toward Shane.

"Son," Victor said with rare warmth. "Come home. Your grandparents want to see you."