"Yes, Chairman Sullivan."

The bodyguard stepped forward to block Isabella. "Miss Valentine, please leave."

Isabella clutched her child, refusing to budge.

She had finally seized this opportunity—how could she simply walk away?

When she resisted, the bodyguard swiftly lifted her and dragged her toward the car.

"Let me go! Do you know whose child this is? Can you afford the consequences if he's hurt?"

Ignoring her protests, the bodyguard efficiently shoved her into the vehicle.

Isabella twisted around and screamed, "Dad! How could you be so cruel to your own grandson?"

Victor Sullivan's temples throbbed.

He prided himself on being thick-skinned, but Isabella had outdone him.

"Get her out of here!" he snapped, waving impatiently.

The car sped off, and the air finally cleared.

Victor turned to Sophia. "Don’t worry, I’ll never acknowledge that child. Last year, I warned Adrian—bringing this child into the world would only bring trouble."

Sophia’s expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Dad."

"Come, come, dinner is ready," Victor said warmly.

Ethan took Sophia’s hand and led her inside.

Victor sidled up to Audrey. "Don’t let that woman ruin the mood."

Audrey shot him a cold glance. "All these problems are your doing."

"Who could’ve guessed she’d be so deceitful? Even Theodore Valentine, sharp as he is, was fooled for twenty years."

"Men are all swayed by appearances."

Victor quickly pledged his loyalty: "No one compares to you in my eyes. Back then, I only chose her for the Valentine family’s connections."

Audrey ignored him and headed straight for the dining room.

The table was laden with exquisite dishes.

Victor eagerly served Audrey. "Eat more. You’ve lost weight."

When she didn’t refuse, his heart lifted.

He then hurriedly dished out food for his son and daughter-in-law.

"I can serve myself," Ethan said calmly.

Victor’s eyes grew moist.

His ailing son had become even more considerate.

The meal passed pleasantly.

After dinner, Victor urged, "Stay the night. The rooms are ready."

When Ethan glanced at Sophia, he softened his tone. "The house is too quiet. Just one night."

Ethan nodded in agreement.

Victor then looked at Audrey. "You should stay too. The master bedroom has always been kept for you."

After a glance at her son, Audrey reluctantly agreed.

Sophia was in the bedroom, searching for Ethan’s change of clothes, when her phone rang.

"Daughter-in-law, come to Natalie’s room for some toiletries," Victor said.

Sophia went to the second floor.

Victor handed her an elegant gift box. "These are all new. Let me know if you need anything else."

Inside were Chanel pajamas, slippers, and a hairband.

Sophia was surprised—she hadn’t expected her usually oblivious father-in-law to be so thoughtful.

As she carried the box out, she nearly collided with Ethan, who had come looking for her.

"Where were you?" His voice was tight.

"Dad asked me to get some things."

Ethan took the box, his tense expression finally easing.

"I was only gone for a moment."

"I know. But I panic when I can’t see you."

Sophia’s nose stung. "And you still talk about separating? Now you can’t even stand being apart for a few minutes?"

Ethan remained silent.

The deeper his love grew, the more he feared dragging her down.

Back in their room, Sophia changed into the pajamas.

Ethan was flipping through a childhood photo album.

The pictures of the adorable little boy melted Sophia’s heart.

Suddenly, she spoke. "I want to try artificial insemination."

Ethan frowned. "It’s too hard on your body."

"I’ve consulted the doctor. The risks are minimal." Sophia leaned against his shoulder. "I just want our love to feel complete."

Ethan pulled her close.

He understood—this was her promise to him.

A silent "I’ll never leave you."

He kissed her lips, his heart overflowing with love.

At that moment, he hated his illness more than ever.