Audrey Sullivan was half-pushed, half-carried into the car by Victor Sullivan.

The moment the door closed, she raised her hand to slap him.

Victor didn’t dodge. Instead, he leaned closer. "Go ahead. I heard getting slapped improves your complexion."

His words extinguished half the fire in her anger.

She yanked off his coat and threw it back at him. "If there’s a next time, you’ll regret it!"

Victor had long since figured out her temper.

Her so-called punishments were nothing more than throwing coffee at him, forcing him to eat pig’s feet, or at worst, scattering dirt in his office.

As long as she didn’t divorce him, he’d gladly endure it all.

"Take us to Yongya Villa," Victor instructed the driver.

Audrey arched a brow. "How did you know I was going there?"

"Ethan told me."

"That brat!"

Victor seized the chance to take her hand. "He only wants what’s best for you."

She pulled away. "Keep your hands to yourself!"

"Then how about my mouth?" He pretended to lean in for a kiss.

Audrey couldn’t help but laugh. "How can a CEO be so shameless?"

Victor thought to himself, What’s shame compared to keeping my marriage intact?

Earlier, when he saw the way Vincent Laurent looked at Audrey, he’d wanted to stab the man on the spot.

Now, Vincent stood by the roadside, watching their car disappear into the distance.

He turned to his driver. "Take me to Vincent’s place."

At the Laurent residence, Sophia was chatting and laughing with Evelyn Grandelle.

When Vincent arrived, Sophia stood to greet him. "Uncle."

He smiled warmly. "Sit, please."

Ethan descended the stairs, and the two exchanged pleasantries.

Then Vincent suddenly said, "There’s a photovoltaic project. Interested?"

Ethan’s eyes lit up. "Absolutely."

They agreed on a time to discuss the details.

After seeing Vincent off, Ethan fell into thought.

He dialed Victor’s number. "Vincent proposed a collaboration on a solar project."

"Take it!" Victor’s voice was firm. "The more he does this, the more we should work with him. Businessmen care about profit. He won’t dare act recklessly."

Ethan chuckled. "Old fox."

Back in the living room, Sophia was nestled against Evelyn’s side.

Since their reunion, Sophia had softened considerably.

"Mom, will the medication affect the baby?" she asked worriedly.

Ethan gently touched her abdomen. "The doctor said it’s safe."

Just then, Vincent returned with a bag of herbs.

"I’ll brew the medicine," he said, glancing at Ethan. "Come learn with me."

In the kitchen, Vincent moved with practiced ease.

Ethan marveled silently—his father-in-law was the epitome of a perfect man.

Once the medicine was ready, Vincent personally fed it to Evelyn.

"I’m setting an example for Ethan," he said meaningfully.

Ethan caught the hint. Picking up the bowl, he turned to Sophia. "Let’s go to our room."

In the bedroom, Sophia grimaced as she sipped the bitter concoction.

"It’s awful," she nearly spat it out.

Suddenly, Ethan took a sip, then pressed his lips to hers.

The medicine passed between them, and somehow, it didn’t taste as bitter.

They finished the bowl this way.

Ethan slipped a candy into her mouth. "Sweet?"

"Mhm."

"I’m sweeter." He kissed her again.

This kiss was deep and lingering, leaving Sophia flushed.

Ethan scooped her into his arms. "Time to repay the favor."

"What favor?"

"A drop of kindness deserves an ocean in return."

Sophia playfully hit his chest. "You rogue!"

"Father-in-law soundproofed the room," Ethan murmured, laying her on the bed. "We shouldn’t waste his thoughtfulness."

Clothes slipped away, and the room filled with warmth.

Under silk sheets, their bodies entwined—sweeter than honey.