Sophia took the insulated lunchbox from Ethan and pulled him to sit on the corridor bench.

As they spoke in hushed tones, she suddenly remembered the meal she'd brought for Willow.

"Deliver this to Mrs. Grant," she signaled to the bodyguard.

The bodyguard nodded respectfully, handing Willow several paper bags. "Miss Laurent specially prepared abalone sauce rice and two side dishes for you."

He pointed to another bag. "These are newly purchased clothes and shoes."

Ethan's gaze swept over the packages, noticing even socks had been included. His eyes darkened momentarily.

But recalling how Sophia had coldly confronted Willow earlier, his displeasure dissipated.

Willow silently unwrapped the food container.

Inside the delicate ceramic bowl, abalone and sea cucumber lay atop glistening rice, its aroma tantalizing.

She frowned. "I don't like this."

Sophia suppressed her irritation. "You said 'anything' earlier, so I bought this."

Willow wasn't rejecting the meal—she was harboring resentment toward Ethan and his mother.

She suddenly slammed the container onto the bench. "My son nearly died for you, and this is how you treat me?"

Sophia's chest tightened.

How could someone as gentle as Kyle have such a mother?

Ethan rose with a cold laugh, looking down at Willow. "Who gave you the right to disrespect my wife?"

He pulled Sophia up abruptly. "Let's go!"

Even after walking far away, Sophia couldn't help glancing back at the hospital room.

Though she disliked Willow, she couldn't stop worrying about Kyle.

Five days missing after a plane crash was no small matter.

Ethan squeezed her fingers. "We'll visit after his surgery."

"Alright."

On their way back to the hotel, Sophia finally voiced her doubt. "Are you and Kyle...blood brothers?"

Ethan's fingers tensed. "Don't listen to that madwoman. You know my mother's character best."

Compared to Audrey's integrity, Willow truly seemed unhinged.

Back at the hotel, Sophia gently embraced Ethan.

She looked up, eyes glistening. "You've become so much better."

He tapped her nose playfully. "I know what truly matters. Being jealous during life-or-death situations would be childish."

Sophia nuzzled his chin with a smile. "My man is the best."

"Then say you love me," he demanded childishly.

Sophia chuckled. "Saying it daily is too cheesy."

"I need to hear it for reassurance," he insisted shamelessly.

As she ruffled his hair, Sophia marveled inwardly.

The aloof, dignified CEO became like a candy-seeking child around her.

"I love you." She repeated it three times before he sealed her lips with a kiss.

Days of tension finally eased.

Had Kyle not been found, Sophia would have lived in shadows forever.

Hospital Room

Kyle awoke after surgery, his gaze fixed on the doorway.

He refused even water from Willow.

"She won't return to California with us," Willow sighed. "This crash must be connected to the Sullivans!"

"Not him," Kyle rasped.

Willow sneered. "Audrey nearly burned you alive as a child, yet you still defend them?"

"I need quiet." He closed his eyes.

During five torturous days, thoughts of Sophia alone sustained him.

She was the starlight piercing his darkness.

Falling for her at twelve, he'd never loved another.

When the door opened, Sophia entered with flowers.

She'd grown noticeably thinner, her face pale.

Kyle's eyes instantly brightened. "You came."

Sophia set down an insulated container. "I made several congee varieties—choose what you like."

Willow opened her mouth to speak but stopped at his warning glance, leaving grudgingly.

"It's so good you're back," Sophia smiled.

"Thank Ethan for me."

"I already have."

Kyle managed a strained smile. "Go back. Don't keep him waiting."

"He's being very understanding now," she said tenderly.

"Exactly why you should return."

They sat in peaceful silence.

For her, this was just a visit. For him, it was life-giving medicine.

Ten minutes later, Sophia departed.

In the hallway, she encountered Richard.

The elder's bloodshot eyes betrayed sleepless nights.

"Thank you for finding my son," he said earnestly. "Please join us for dinner tomorrow."

Next afternoon, seafood restaurant.

Richard hosted warmly while Willow drank sullenly.

After three glasses, she excused herself to the restroom.

Fifteen minutes passed before Richard grew concerned.

At the doorway, hurried footsteps approached.

The door burst open to reveal Willow, hands dripping blood.

She laughed hysterically. "I killed Victor Sullivan! Finally killed him!"

Ethan shot up. "What?"

"I stabbed his stomach!" Willow's eyes gleamed wildly. "He's done for!"

Ethan slapped her across the face before sprinting toward the restrooms.

Sophia rushed after him.