Ethan's fingers tightened around the documents, crumpling the edges.

His dark gaze remained fixed on the information before him.

Kyle Grant.

Heir to the prestigious Grant Auction House.

His father, Richard Grant, was a renowned tycoon in the antique world, with a family fortune worth billions.

Ethan's eyes darkened.

Three years ago when Sophia had chosen to marry him, he'd been paralyzed—unable to offer her anything beyond a marriage certificate and exorbitant medical bills.

He'd always assumed that "Big Brother Kyle" was some penniless nobody.

Never had he imagined...

"What are you looking at?" Victor's voice abruptly cut through his thoughts.

Ethan calmly closed the file. "Just helping a friend with some research."

Victor's sharp eyes caught the name "Richard Grant." Thoughtfully, he remarked, "By family hierarchy, he's my cousin. Though their branch moved overseas years ago."

Ethan responded with a noncommittal hum.

He wanted nothing to do with Kyle Grant.

As the dinner concluded, Victor stopped him. "Take Isabella home."

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly. "Mr. Valentine is heading that way."

Isabella's face instantly paled.

Her grip on her purse strap turned white-knuckled, nails nearly drawing blood.

All because of Sophia!

If not for that old woman's sudden death...

During the drive back, Ethan called his assistant. "Pull Sophia's recent call records."

Thirty minutes later, the response came: "Mrs. Sullivan's contacts are limited—only family and work associates."

The tension in Ethan's jaw eased slightly.

So they hadn't been in contact.

Pushing open the door, he found Sophia reading on the sofa.

Seeing him, she instinctively moved to fetch his slippers.

Ethan stopped her. "I've got it."

Sophia pressed her lips together silently.

As she helped him remove his coat, she discreetly checked his collar and cuffs.

No lipstick stains.

No unfamiliar perfume.

"Sniffing for something?" Ethan suddenly leaned in, his nose brushing her cheek. "Like a little puppy."

Sophia's ears burned as she hurriedly turned to hang up the coat.

"Father arranged for Isabella to ride with me," Ethan said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "I told her I'm a married man."

Sophia's heart trembled.

He'd actually defied Victor for her.

"Check the dashcam if you don't believe me," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. "I've been impeccably faithful."

Her eyes grew warm.

Turning in his arms, she hugged him tightly, words failing her.

Ethan chuckled softly. "Love isn't about words."

He paused deliberately. "It's about actions."

Sophia flushed crimson to the tips of her ears.

Late into the night, moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains onto the bed.

Ethan traced kisses along every inch of her skin, his voice rough with desire: "Let's have a child."

Sophia's fingers trembled.

Remembering her mother's words, she nodded softly. "Okay."

Eyes alight with surprise, he asked, "Really?"

"Mmm."

"A son," he murmured, hand resting on her abdomen. "So you won't have to suffer again."

Curled against his chest, Sophia envisioned Victor's stormy expression.

Fear gripped her.

What if their child became another casualty?

Dreams came in waves—

Thirteen-year-old Kyle lay in a hospital bed, tubes snaking across his body.

"Big Brother Kyle!" She rushed forward in tears.

The figure suddenly dissolved.

In its place was Ethan's warm embrace.

"Ethan..." Sophia murmured unconsciously in her sleep.

Ethan stiffened.

Three years.

This was the first time she'd said his name in her dreams.

Not Kyle.

Him.

His arms tightened around her possessively.

Outside, the stars blazed brilliantly.