Sophia's fingers trembled slightly as she stared at her phone screen.

The text message pierced her heart like a sharp blade.

When Ethan had been wheelchair-bound two years ago, Victor had treated her with courtesy. Now that Ethan had recovered, the tycoon's true colors emerged.

The phone rang abruptly.

Victor's name flashed on the screen.

Sophia took a deep breath and answered.

"Miss Laurent, you received my message?" Victor's voice was icy.

"Yes."

"One billion to leave Ethan—quite a bargain." He paused. "Money can save lives... or end them."

Her knuckles whitened around the phone.

"Would you have married a cripple if not for the money?" Victor sneered. "Now that you've gotten what you wanted, drop the act."

Sophia's chest heaved.

"Perhaps you don't know," her voice turned frosty, "the night before our divorce, Ethan offered me his entire fortune. I took nothing."

Dead silence.

A loud thud echoed—fists slamming on a desk.

"Preposterous!" Victor roared. "The Sullivan empire isn't for gold-diggers like you!"

The call ended violently.

Sophia gazed at the darkened screen, a cold smile forming.

Another vibration.

«Wishing Miss Laurent and her mother health and happiness.»

Every word barbed.

Her fingers went numb. Her mother—her only vulnerability. Victor had struck precisely.

She typed rapidly: «Likewise, may Mr. Sullivan soon welcome Miss Valentine as his daughter-in-law with many grandchildren.»

She could almost see Victor's apoplectic rage.

No further messages came.

The ringtone shattered the silence.

Audrey's gentle voice flowed through: "Sophia, come to the boutique tomorrow. I have a surprise."

Sophia's nose stung.

"Okay."

Next afternoon, Sophia entered the bridal shop.

Audrey rushed forward, embracing her.

"Let me see my grandbaby." Her hand hovered over Sophia's abdomen—then froze. "What...?"

Sophia lowered her lashes.

"Gone."

Audrey staggered back, pale.

"When? Why wasn't I told?"

"Car accident." Sophia's voice feathered away. "They didn't want to disrupt your work."

Tears brimming, Audrey led her to a mannequin.

A snow-white gown stood regally.

"I adjusted the waistline." Audrey's voice shook. "Since... we'll move the wedding forward."

Sophia traced the satin.

"Mom, Ethan and I... we're divorced."

Audrey's head snapped up, eyes reddening.

"Whose decision?" Her voice sharpened. "Was it that bastard Victor?"

Without waiting, she dialed furiously.

"Victor Sullivan! Get your ass here now!"