After Audrey Sullivan left, Ethan Sullivan pulled Sophia Laurent into his arms.

His long fingers gently stroked her hair. "My mother and Evelyn Grandelle are like sisters. Come with me to visit her when we return to Kyoto?"

Sophia nodded, curious about this woman she'd never met.

In the afternoon, Ethan had to attend a conference.

Sophia's spontaneous flight to Seattle had warmed his heart.

Once the misunderstanding was cleared, she prepared to leave.

"Let's go back together tomorrow," Ethan said, gripping her wrist.

"I have work."

His eyes darkened. "Is that family registry so urgent?"

"Not exactly..."

Before she could finish, she was pulled against his firm chest. His warm lips brushed her ear. "What's more important—me or that registry?"

What he really wanted to ask was: Who matters more—me or Kyle Grant?

Sophia laughed softly. "You're seriously competing with a family registry?"

"Answer me," he pressed stubbornly.

Her fingertips traced his sharp jawline as she gazed into his deep eyes. "You, of course."

Stars flickered in Ethan's gaze.

He kissed her forehead. "Wait for me at the hotel. I'll be back after the meeting."

"Okay."

Bored alone in the hotel, Sophia visited a nearby museum.

Tears welled in her eyes when she saw an ancient painting her grandfather had helped restore.

Returning at dusk, she had dinner with Ethan before he carried her to the wool rug by the floor-to-ceiling window.

The city lights of Seattle shimmered beneath them.

As her robe slipped, he nipped her rounded shoulder. "Is it your fertile window?"

"Yes."

"I'm completely sober today." His kisses trailed along her collarbone.

Sophia arched her slender neck. "The other night, you weren't actually drunk when you—"

Her words were cut off as he gently bit her chin.

"I can't stand seeing others treat you well," he admitted with rare honesty.

The misunderstanding had only brought their hearts closer.

Sophia dug her fingers into the muscles at his waist. "This jealousy of yours needs fixing."

"Only you can fix it," he murmured against her ear, his breath scorching.

At the height of passion, Sophia suddenly pushed him away, wrapping herself in her robe as she fled to the bathroom.

Ethan froze, a vein pulsing at his temple.

"Open the door," he demanded, knocking on the frosted glass.

"How does it feel?" Her voice carried through the door.

He glanced down and chuckled dryly. "What do you think?"

"Remember this feeling," she said smugly. "This is exactly how you left me hanging the other night."

Ethan laughed helplessly. "Settling scores now?"

"A lesson you won't forget." She sounded like a bristling kitten.

He tapped the door lightly. "I'm begging you."

"Not sincere enough."

"What do you want?"

"Beg properly."

The usually proud CEO took a deep breath, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Please open the door, my little goddess."

Those last three words shattered Sophia's resolve.

She opened the door and was immediately swept into his arms.

Their pent-up emotions erupted—he was fiercer than ever.

Exhausted, Sophia fell asleep mid-plea, still murmuring protests in her dreams.

The next morning, she could barely walk, relying on Ethan to carry her everywhere.

Back in Kyoto, they visited the psychiatric hospital as promised.

Alexander Valentine was already waiting outside the ward.

Accepting their gifts, he thanked them warmly.

Sophia responded politely, "Evelyn is my mentor's daughter. It's only right."

The moment the ward door opened, Sophia's pupils contracted sharply.