Dominic Durand stared at the transfer record on his phone screen, greed flashing in his eyes.

Ethan Sullivan's swift compliance had caught him off guard.

A million dollars—just like that.

He rubbed the phone, already scheming how to demand more next time.

"Dad!" Darren Durand panted as he rushed over, helping his father up from the ground.

They climbed into the beat-up car parked by the curb.

Darren turned the key, and the engine roared to life with a grating noise.

As they rounded the corner, Dominic suddenly slapped the door. "Stop!"

Trembling, he pulled a bank card from his wallet. "Check the balance."

Darren's eyes lit up. "Did it work?"

"The kid transferred it without a word." Dominic smirked, narrowing his eyes. "Should've asked for more."

Darren took the card, licking his lips. "Next time, we'll demand ten million."

At the ATM, Darren's face darkened instantly.

He kicked the machine hard before storming back to the car.

"The card's frozen!" He flung it at Dominic's face.

Dominic jerked upright, his face turning ashen. "Damn it, we've been played!"

"What now?" Darren rubbed his hands anxiously.

Dominic gritted his teeth. "Get out of here! A million is enough to land us a decade in prison!"

Meanwhile, Sophia Laurent's phone vibrated in her palm.

Seeing the caller ID, her fingers trembled slightly.

"I need to take this," she told the shop assistant before hurrying to the back room.

The moment she answered, Ethan's deep voice came through. "Are you hurt?"

Sophia instinctively touched her right hand. "I'm fine."

"What did Dominic want?"

"Money." She paused. "Mr. Sullivan happened to be here to pick up the porcelain and chased him off."

Silence fell on the other end.

Sophia's heart raced as she quickly added, "We really just—"

"Sophia." Ethan cut her off. "I love you."

Those three words struck her heart like an electric current.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Tears welled up without warning.

"I'll pick you up tonight." His voice was gentle yet firm.

After hanging up, Sophia leaned against the wall, her chest heaving.

She'd never imagined three simple words could hold such magic.

Wiping the dampness from her eyes, she let out a soft laugh.

When she stepped back out, Vincent Grandelle waved her over.

"Sophia, come take a look at this."

The Twin-Phoenix Vase gleamed under the light on the counter.

Sophia recognized it instantly as a treasure from the Qianlong era.

"Master..." She smiled helplessly.

Vincent stroked his beard. "Mr. Sullivan isn't an outsider. Speak freely."

Kyle Grant stood nearby, his gaze warm. "No need to be modest, Ms. Laurent."

Something in his eyes stirred her heart.

"My father greatly admired your grandfather's character," Kyle said suddenly.

Sophia blinked. "You knew my grandfather?"

"By reputation." Kyle gave a slight nod. "Rest assured, Mr. Grandelle. I'll do my best to assist Ms. Laurent."

Vincent nodded approvingly and patted Sophia's shoulder.

When she looked up at Kyle again, she caught an unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes.