Ethan Sullivan gazed at Sophia Laurent's pale face.

His slender fingers gently traced the cold back of her hand.

"I promise you," he said in a low, firm voice.

Sophia bit her lower lip and nodded, her fingertips leaving faint marks on the examination table.

A flicker of pain flashed in Ethan's eyes.

He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

"Wait for me."

As he turned, his silhouette radiated grim determination.

In the hallway, Ethan tore off his isolation gown and dialed his assistant.

"What's the police's progress?"

The assistant lowered his voice. "Still gathering evidence. Results will be ready by tomorrow at the earliest."

"Put Detective North on the phone."

Kevin North took the call, hearing Ethan's icy tone. "My wife suspects the herbal tea was tampered with."

The assistant gasped.

Kevin hesitated. "Mr. Sullivan, are you certain you want us to investigate your father?"

"The law applies equally to everyone."

After hanging up, Kevin immediately ordered, "Prioritize testing that box of herbal tea!"

Vincent Grandelle's face paled at the key phrase.

"That tea... I gave it to Sophia."

Kevin's eyes sharpened. "Where was the trash taken? Lead the way!"

The predawn garbage pit reeked of decay.

Several officers, wearing masks, sifted through the refuse.

"Found it!"

A sealed bag contained reddish-brown tea leaves.

In the car on the return trip, Vincent confessed the tea's origins.

His fingers trembled uncontrollably on his knees.

Vincent's Porcelain was sealed shut.

Vincent dragged his exhausted body home.

Diana Grandelle eagerly handed him slippers.

"You must be exhausted, dear."

Vincent walked silently toward the water dispenser.

Diana's eyes darted. "Let me pour you some water."

As she offered the glass, Vincent suddenly raised his hand.

Cold water splashed across Diana's face.

"You—!" she shrieked.

The next moment, she was shoved hard against the liquor cabinet.

Vincent grabbed her collar. "You destroyed the surveillance footage?"

Diana feigned composure. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"The greasy breakfast yesterday, bringing up the herbal tea on purpose..." Vincent sneered. "Using my hands to harm Sophia—clever scheme!"

Diana's expression shifted.

She flicked her hair. "Where's your proof?"

"The police are already investigating." Vincent released her. "You won't escape this."

Diana looked down.

Her nails dug deep into her palms.