Isabella Valentine stomped her foot in frustration.

She had never encountered such an ungrateful man.

It was supposed to be a win-win collaboration, yet Kyle Grant had rejected her outright without hesitation.

"Ungrateful wretch!" she hissed through gritted teeth as she stormed out of the auction house.

The moment she stepped outside, she immediately dialed Diana Grandelle.

"Grandmother, that Kyle Grant is absolutely insufferable!" she fumed. "He actually said I lack integrity and don’t deserve to work with him!"

Diana paused briefly on the other end. "Strange. I was certain he had taken an interest in Sophia..."

"Forget it!" Isabella cut her off. "I have my own ways to deal with Sophia. Even if I can’t have Ethan, I won’t let them be happy!"

"Grandmother will always support you," Diana cooed affectionately. "No one messes with my precious granddaughter."

Isabella finally smiled. "You’re the best, Grandmother."

That weekend at Kyoto Grand Hotel, the heated pool shimmered under the lights.

Sophia Laurent wore a sky-blue one-piece swimsuit, her skin glowing like polished jade.

Ethan Sullivan stood by the pool’s edge, his black swim trunks accentuating his sculpted physique.

"Coach Sullivan, enlighten me," Sophia teased with a playful wink.

Ethan feigned sternness. "Eager to learn, little student?"

"Very eager," Sophia replied, barely suppressing a laugh. "Though the nickname..."

"Focus." Ethan launched into a deadpan lecture on swimming techniques.

He demonstrated the movements with exaggerated seriousness, unaware that he’d only crammed these lessons the night before.

"Now, choose your learning method," he said, holding up three fingers. "Slow, fast, or..."

"The fastest!" Sophia didn’t hesitate.

Ethan’s lips curved knowingly. "Sure?"

"Absolutely!"

"Then—" He suddenly stepped forward. "Jump!"

Sophia yelped as she tumbled into the water.

Coughing violently, she flailed in panic.

Ethan dove in after her, ready to intervene.

Driven by survival instinct, Sophia quickly found her balance.

"You did that on purpose!" she spluttered indignantly.

Ethan merely grinned and began guiding her movements—steadying her waist, adjusting her posture, demonstrating strokes with her hands.

After an intensive morning session, Sophia finally mastered swimming.

"Hungry?" Ethan asked, toweling his hair.

Sophia’s eyes lit up. "Grilled squid!"

Ethan frowned. "Unhygienic."

"How about Grandma’s shepherd’s purse buns?" She batted her lashes mischievously.

They ended up at the university district’s food street anyway.

But when the briny scent of squid wafted over, Sophia suddenly covered her mouth.

"What’s wrong?" Ethan asked, concerned.

She shook her head, her face pale.

A realization struck Ethan. "Your cycle this month..."

Sophia froze, then hastily checked her calendar.

Their eyes met, mirrored expressions of joy dawning.

"You’re pregnant?" Ethan’s voice trembled slightly.