Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Sophia rubbed her sleepy eyes, suddenly remembering last night's dream. A delicate little baby had smiled sweetly at her.

Her hand instinctively touched her flat stomach.

"Let's go buy baby clothes today." The thought took root and wouldn't leave her mind.

Ethan had already left for the office, sternly instructing his bodyguards Jack and Daniel to stay by her side.

At the department store.

"What size are you looking for, ma'am?" The salesgirl smiled warmly.

Sophia's fingers traced the tiny garments, the soft fabric warming her heart. "Newborn."

The clerk immediately guided her to the section.

Pastel blues, yellows, and whites lined the shelves, each piece no larger than a palm. Sophia picked up a onesie, imagining her baby wearing it, her lips curving unconsciously.

"I'll take this, and this hat..."

Shopping bags quickly filled the bodyguard's arms.

On the third-floor women's section.

While waiting outside the fitting room, Sophia felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. Frowning, she hurried toward the restroom.

"Young madam?" Maggie followed anxiously.

Outside the restroom, a stiffly suited bodyguard stood like a Christmas tree laden with luxury bags. Sophia glanced twice—something felt familiar.

When she pushed open the stall door, she froze.

Isabella sat on the toilet, her perfectly arched eyebrows shooting up.

"Ugh." Sophia turned to leave.

"Wait!" Isabella sprang up, grabbing her wrist. "I heard you're pregnant?"

Sophia shook her off. "None of your business."

Isabella's gaze slithered to her stomach. "You think a baby will chain Ethan to you? Dream on!"

"Maggie, lock the door." Sophia's voice turned glacial.

Before Isabella could react, a powerful shove slammed her against the wall. Her head cracked against the partition, stars exploding in her vision.

"Are you insane? I'm a Valentine heiress!"

Sophia smirked. "To me, you're just a pathetic clown."

Grabbing Isabella's collar, she dragged her toward the sink. Isabella clawed at Sophia's arms, leaving red marks.

"Young madam!" Maggie gasped.

"Stay back." Sophia didn't turn. "This is personal."

The mop bucket held murky yellow water. Sophia forced Isabella's face into it.

"Mmmpf—!" Isabella's shriek became gurgles.

When Sophia released her, Isabella jerked up, her styled curls now dripping, mascara smeared like raccoon eyes.

"I'll kill you!" She lunged wildly.

Sophia sidestepped, seizing her hair and hauling her toward the nearest stall.

"Know what?" Sophia whispered. "Your words reminded me of my grandmother."

Isabella's pupils shrank.

The next second, her face was pressed against the toilet rim. Unflushed droplets wet her nose, ammonia burning her nostrils.

"Gag—" Isabella retched violently.

Sophia looked down coldly. "Remember—mention my grandmother again, and next time your head goes inside."

Frantic knocking sounded at the door.

"Young madam? Is everything alright?" Jack's voice called.

Sophia smoothed her collar and calmly unlocked the door.

"Nothing," she smiled. "Just catching up with an old friend."