Beads of sweat formed on the captain's forehead as his shifty eyes darted toward the co-pilot.

Kyle Grant's icy voice sliced through the cockpit. "Fly properly if you value your life."

His long fingers traced a chilling line across his throat, gaze sharp as a blade.

The co-pilot shuddered, fingers twitching toward the alarm button.

"Try it." Kyle's iron grip clamped around his wrist with terrifying strength.

The co-pilot paled. "Sir, this violates protocol—"

"Get out." Kyle released him with a tone that brooked no argument.

Stumbling from the cockpit, the co-pilot nearly collided with Ethan Sullivan's probing stare.

"Mr. Sullivan, your wife's friend—" The co-pilot hesitated.

Ethan arched a brow at Sophia Laurent.

"Listen to him," she murmured.

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted as he waved dismissively. "Take a break."

Relief flooded the co-pilot as he scrambled into a passenger seat.

Sophia's peripheral vision caught Ethan's chiseled profile.

How could he still call her "wife" without flinching?

After landing, Ethan blocked Sophia's exit.

"My driver's waiting."

Her phone chimed with a crisp payment notification.

"Consider us settled."

She turned away, her retreating figure radiating finality.

Ethan's eyes darkened as he watched her go.

She'd grown wings.

The woman who once melted at sweet nothings now remained impervious.

He caught up in three strides, seizing her slender wrist.

"Finished with this tantrum?"

Sophia met his gaze calmly. "You said enduring me for three years was torture."

A vein pulsed at Ethan's temple. "You believe drunken ramblings?"

"Truth surfaces in wine." She twisted free. "Kyle saved my life. I won't cut ties."

Ethan's expression frosted over. "So you choose him?"

After a beat, Sophia bowed deeply.

"Thank you for saving me three years ago."

The word "gratitude" stabbed Ethan's chest.

With a humorless laugh, he gestured. "Go."

As Sophia disappeared into traffic, Ethan clenched his fists.

The living could never compete with ghosts.

In the car, Sophia studied the back of Kyle's head.

"Why did you go to the cockpit?"

He turned with a reassuring smile. "Ethan has enemies. I suspected sabotage."

Warmth bloomed in her chest.

This seemingly unyielding man possessed unexpected thoughtfulness.

Kyle's phone rang the moment he entered his apartment.

"You shared a flight with Ethan Sullivan?" Willow Grant's voice crackled.

"Sophia was aboard. I couldn't risk it."

Willow's pitch escalated. "And if he'd tossed you mid-flight?"

Kyle massaged his temples. "He's not that type."

"His mother couldn't tolerate an innocent child! You think he'd tolerate you?"

"The fire investigation never proved Audrey's involvement." Kyle remained steadfast. "Sophia says she's kind."

Willow snorted. "Until you threaten her interests!"

Hanging up, Willow turned to Lillian Yates.

"You're fond of Kyle, aren't you?"

Lillian's cheeks pinkened. "Auntie..."

"Go to Kyoto." Willow patted her hand. "Make him reconsider, and I'll bless your union."

Lillian's eyes sparkled. "Truly?"

Willow's smile deepened with calculation.