"Has your brother gone into surgery yet?"

"Yes, they just wheeled him in. The doctor said it'll take seven or eight hours. I'm sorry I can't make lunch for you today."

......

Top-floor executive office at HM Group.

Ethan Roscente pulled a cigarette case from his drawer. His slender fingers extracted a single cigarette. The lighter clicked, flames illuminating his chiseled profile.

"Focus on your brother first." He exhaled a smoke ring.

A soft acknowledgment came through the phone.

"Update me when the surgery's over." He tapped ash into the tray. "I'll come by."

"Okay."

The call ended. Ethan immediately dialed another number. When Vincent Valois's voice came through, his eyes turned glacial.

"Did my last warning mean nothing to you?" His voice could freeze hell.

"Mr. Roscente, I've already reprimanded my son. He swore he wouldn't bother Miss Roland again."

Ethan's laugh held no warmth. "Then explain yesterday's hospital visit."

Vincent's voice faltered. "Th-that's impossible! He gave me his word! There must be some mistake—"

"Do I look blind to you?" Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"No! I'll call him immediately! This won't happen again!"

"Remember—this is your final courtesy call." Ethan crushed his cigarette. "If I see Lucien near Jenna again, you'll deal with the consequences."

......

Villa No.108, Clearwater Bay.

Vincent slammed down the phone. Face livid, he stormed upstairs. At his son's bedroom door, he forced himself to knock.

Lucien Valois opened the door, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Father?"

"With me. Now." Vincent turned on his heel.

The study door banged shut. Lucien stood before the desk, irritation creasing his brow. "What's so urgent at this hour?"

Vincent's palm struck the wood. "Lucien Valois! Have you no respect for this family? For Yvonne?"

"What are you babbling about?"

"The hospital yesterday!" Vincent roared. "You promised to stay away from Jenna Roland! You're a married man! Must you disgrace us all?"

Lucien's pupils contracted. "How did you know I went to the hospital? Are you having me followed?"

"Followed?" Vincent sneered. "Final warning—approach Jenna again, and you're no son of mine."

Lucien stared at his father. He'd shaken all his bodyguards that day. How had Vincent known? Unless...he'd planted spies?