Sophia ended the call and swiftly swiped across the screen, blocking Isabella's number.

Furious, Isabella redialed, only to hear the cold automated voice.

She slammed her palm against the steering wheel and borrowed her driver's phone to call again. "Sophia, do you really think you're so special? Ethan's at the club tonight with hostesses! To him, you're worth less than those women!"

Sophia's knuckles turned white, her voice icy. "Isabella, you'll pay for that mouth of yours one day."

Another number blocked.

Under the Californian sun, Sophia sat at her restoration table, meticulously repairing the fine cracks on an ancient painting.

Night fell.

She held the Nine-Dragon Imperial Seal, her fingers tracing the central ruby. After days of fruitless research, she decided to try a different approach.

The ancients believed in aligning with heaven and earth.

Sophia pushed open the French windows, letting the full moon's glow spill into the room. Carrying the seal, she stepped into the garden, where the Big Dipper shone brightly in the night sky.

An incense altar was set up, sandalwood smoke curling upward.

A bodyguard stared in disbelief as Sophia murmured incantations over the seal and discreetly texted Ethan: Madam is performing a ritual in the garden.

The moment the candlelight flickered, the nine dragons suddenly gleamed gold.

"My God!" Sophia gasped.

The ruby projected a luminous halo onto the wall, outlining a map with the words Appalachian Mountains clearly visible. Hands trembling, she snapped a photo and immediately called Kyle.

"The seal really contains a treasure map!"

Silence lingered for a few seconds before he replied, "I'm on my way."

When Kyle saw the photo, surprise flickered in his eyes. "Zhang Xianzhong's sunken silver must be near here."

"Is this legal?"

"Don't worry." He pocketed his phone. "I'll handle it properly." Then he suddenly smiled. "You're... truly extraordinary."

The words hung in the air, leaving them both momentarily stunned.

Sophia lowered her lashes. "My ex-husband used to say the same thing."

At the mention of Ethan, the atmosphere froze. A wave of longing crashed over her as she clenched the hem of her shirt, her knuckles whitening.

After hanging up, she curled up on the bed, the moonlight stretching her shadow across the room.

The sudden ringtone made her heart skip a beat.

The name flashing on the screen sent a jolt through her.

"Sophia." Ethan's voice, slightly hoarse, came through the receiver. "I miss you."