Richard Grant leaned closer to Willow, his palm covering her cold hand. "Sharing your burdens might ease the pain. Let me help you carry them."

Willow's eyes flickered with inner turmoil.

The desire for revenge against Victor Sullivan gnawed at her day and night.

Countless times in her dreams, she'd driven a blade through that man's chest.

Yet the words died on her lips each time.

Killing Victor would be simple, but the Sullivan wolves would never let it rest.

She'd long abandoned fear for her own life, but Kyle's safety gave her pause.

Once unleashed, the chain of vengeance would entangle generations.

This was a gamble she couldn't afford.

Willow forced a bitter smile. "No need, thank you."

Disappointment flashed in Richard's eyes as he patted her shoulder. "After all these years, you still won't open up to me."

"Kyle will always be your son." Her voice turned hoarse.

"I've raised him as my own." Richard straightened and walked away.

The moment the door closed, Willow dialed Kyle's number.

"Your father invited Sophia Laurent over today. He was unusually attentive to her."

A sharp inhale came through the line. "How...how did she respond?"

"The staff said she clearly stated she already has someone."

Kyle's Adam's apple bobbed with a wry chuckle. "That's good."

"Remember your promise—marriage after thirty." Willow's tone turned icy.

"Don't forget what you agreed to either."

"Before thirty, I won't interfere. But show some restraint."

"I know."

After hanging up, Kyle stood in the Appalachian mountain winds.

With the Prescott family's help, they'd breached layer after layer of traps.

Now he just needed to hear that voice.

When Sophia answered, her clear tone warmed him. "Mr. Grant, the Jade Nectar worked wonderfully. You must have gone through great lengths."

"It was nothing."

Three simple words that made Sophia's heart skip.

"Why are you so kind to me?"

Kyle's breath hitched. "First admiration, then all the help you've given me."

After a pause, she murmured, "You remind me of someone..."

His pulse quickened.

"But he's been gone thirteen years. You don't look alike."

Kyle sighed inwardly: Silly girl, how could a boy's face match a grown man's?

Perhaps it was better this way.

Getting to protect her under a new identity was blessing enough.

Revealing the truth would only bring her danger.

"We've started excavating the treasure," he changed the subject.

"Is it dangerous?"

Her concern warmed him. "Don't worry."

"Turn it over to the authorities. I'm worried about you."

"We'll surrender part of it. No need to fret."

He wanted to say: Your care means everything.

"I don't want any of it—just your safety." Sophia's voice tightened.

Kyle's lips curved unbidden. "Ethan Sullivan is a lucky man."

Sophia froze.

"If he ever hurts you, I'll be the first to object."

The words brought heat to her eyes.

Since her childhood friend's death, she'd never known such brotherly protection.

If not for their completely different appearances, she might have thought...

"Take care," she whispered.

Returning to the Vanderbilt estate, Sophia's heart stuttered at the moonlit figure in the courtyard.

Ethan stood tall in his tailored suit, silvered by moonlight.

She flew into his arms like a joyful butterfly. "I thought you were busy with work?"

"Missed you, so I came." His arm circled her waist.

"Liar. It's a three-hour flight."

"The branch office is quieter than headquarters." He buried his face in her hair. "No office politics, just thoughts of you."

Sophia laughed. "The mighty CEO has free time?"

"No schedule matters more than you." He nipped at her earlobe.

As they embraced, the phone rang sharply.

Director Michael Gao's voice came through. "Sophia, the nation has an important mission for you."