Audrey Sullivan rose gracefully and gave a slight nod to Vincent and Gwendolyn Valentine. "Mr. Valentine, Mrs. Valentine, please excuse me for a moment."

Vincent quickly set down his chopsticks. "Of course."

Her gaze swept past Victor Sullivan before she turned and left the private dining room.

Victor immediately followed, his steps slightly unsteady—his foot still ached from where Audrey had stepped on him earlier.

They reached the hotel lobby.

Audrey took a seat in the lounge area. The sea breeze rushed through the open windows, tousling her hair.

Victor hesitated but didn’t dare reach out to smooth it for her. He removed his suit jacket, intending to drape it over her shoulders, but she shifted away.

"You talked too much today," Audrey said coldly.

Victor draped the jacket over the back of the sofa instead, his gaze gentle as he looked at her. "You’re too trusting. You don’t see people’s true intentions."

Audrey arched a brow. "What’s wrong with the Valentines?"

"Gwendolyn is hard to read, but Vincent..." A sharp glint flashed in Victor’s eyes. "His grandfather was a founding hero, but by his generation, the family had declined. He’s stuck in a minor position in the Special Ops Unit, still going nowhere at fifty."

Audrey frowned. "So?"

"He had his daughter date a bureaucrat’s son first, then a wealthy heir, and finally settled for an academic’s child." Victor smirked. "The moment he learned Shane was our son, his attitude changed instantly."

Audrey fell silent.

Victor continued, "He’ll definitely interfere with Shane’s life. I was warning him today."

"How could he interfere?"

"By pushing Shane to return to the company and compete with Ethan." Victor narrowed his eyes. "Shane is loyal—easy to manipulate."

When they returned to the dining room, Audrey discreetly observed Vincent.

Sure enough, she caught him repeatedly studying Ethan with a meaningful look.

After dinner, Victor suggested, "It’s a rare weekend. Why not stay and go sailing?"

Vincent’s smile stiffened. "Another time. We need to visit my father-in-law."

A subtle reminder of Nathan Moore’s status.

Victor pretended not to catch it. "I’ll visit Professor Moore another day to thank him for looking after Shane."

Vincent’s expression darkened as he turned to his daughter. "Luna, you’re coming back with us."

Victor’s smile deepened. "A young lady should be reserved. The women in our family all are."

After seeing off the Valentines, the Sullivans stayed on the island to relax.

As night fell, Victor knocked on Audrey’s door.

"It’s not safe at night. I’ll sleep here to protect you."

Audrey scoffed. "Get out."

"I’ll sleep on the floor." He lowered his voice. "The kids are here. Give me some face."

Audrey’s eyes reddened as she remembered the way Ethan had clung to her leg when she left home years ago.

"If you can’t speak properly, then shut up."

Victor seized the chance to grasp her hand. "It’s been so many years. Let’s make up."

Slap! A sharp slap landed on his face.

Victor didn’t let go. "You’re almost a grandmother..."

"I look forty at most!"

"Yes, yes. Our Audrey will always be young."

The doorbell suddenly rang.

Ethan Sullivan walked in, raising a brow at the sight of his parents’ clasped hands.

Audrey hurried to explain, "Your father’s drunk and acting out."

Ethan gave a knowing smile. "I came to discuss business with Dad."

He turned to Victor. "Shane scored over six hundred on his college entrance exams and is now pursuing a degree. I want him in the company."

Victor frowned. "Let him gain experience in the archaeological team first."

"I want to give my position to him and start my own business."

Audrey’s heart clenched.

Victor’s expression darkened. "I’ve spent over twenty years grooming you—not for you to mess around!"

"But it’s unfair to Shane."

"Life isn’t fair!" Victor snapped. "Stay in your lane!"

Ethan left in silence.

Once the door closed, Audrey glared at Victor. "How long do you plan to hold on?"

Victor grinned shamelessly. "A lifetime would be fine."

"Dream on!"

In his mind, Victor added: If it’s a dream, make it a wet one. But he’d never dare say that out loud.

Who would’ve thought the once-domineering CEO would turn into such a coward in front of his wife?