Ethan's eyes turned icy. "What gives you the right to take Sophia away?"

Willow's lips curled into a mocking smile. "My son saved her life with his own. Why should your Sullivan family benefit?" Her gaze suddenly darkened with malice. "Not agreeable? Then I'll expose everything about the fire and Victor's drunken indiscretion!"

Frost gathered in Ethan's pupils.

This woman was utterly deranged.

Kyle at least had some reason.

How did he end up with such a mother?

He turned to Victor. "Clean up your own mess."

One more second here, and he might strangle this madwoman.

Audrey's chest heaved with rage. "Go ahead and expose us! Without evidence, I'll bankrupt you!"

Victor urgently signaled with his eyes.

Audrey turned her face away.

"This requires careful consideration." Victor feigned hesitation. "Sophia is her own person. We can't decide for her."

Yet his words tacitly gave permission.

He'd been itching to discard Sophia.

That look Kyle gave Sophia at the hospital—he'd seen it clearly.

If he couldn't separate his son, he'd separate his daughter-in-law.

Willow let out a scornful laugh.

This old bastard truly had a black heart.

Nothing but money to his name.

"Deal." She swept Audrey with a contemptuous glance and strode away.

Audrey fixed Victor with a cold stare. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Let's talk in the car."

The door closed.

Victor clutched his wound. "I destroyed all evidence about that fire years ago. But if Willow makes a scene, Sullivan Group's stock will lose at least thirty billion."

Audrey scoffed. "So sacrifice Sophia?"

"She might not go with Willow."

"I want that madwoman silenced!"

Victor warned, "She's got nothing left to lose."

Remembering Willow's frenzied state, Audrey fell silent.

The woman was pure insanity.

"That fire had nothing to do with me!"

Victor smiled meaningfully. "Of course. You're whiter than snow."

Audrey pinched him viciously before slamming the car door.

She must have been blind to marry him back then.

Her parents said he was capable, reliable.

And look how that turned out?

Wrapping her trench coat tighter, she called Ethan: "Protect Sophia. Your father plans to discard her. Willow's insane, and your father's no better."

Ethan hung up, his expression stormy.

Just reunited, and now Willow appears.

Did she truly care for Sophia?

This was pure revenge against the Sullivans.

The Kyoto business dinner lasted until dusk the next day.

Back at their Seattle hotel.

Sophia rushed to embrace him.

Ethan kissed her hair. "Miss me?"

"Mmm."

He stroked her soft locks, burying his frustration deep.

Sophia sensed something. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

She produced a check. "From Richard."

"Tell him to control Willow." Ethan caressed her cheek. "She wants to take you away."

Sophia laughed lightly. "I already refused."

Ethan gazed at her bare ring finger. "Why aren't you wearing your wedding band?"

"Too flashy."

He ruffled her hair and didn't press further.

That night, he held her silently.

At dawn.

Natalie burst in like a whirlwind.

"Sis! I'm here to deal with that crazy woman!"

Hospital room.

Natalie dismissed the nurse, studying Kyle with a tilted head. "Little brother, homewreckers get struck by lightning, you know."

Kyle smiled faintly. "Call me brother properly."

"Brother." Natalie blinked. "Stay away from my sister-in-law, okay?"

"I'll leave once my injuries heal."

"Really?"

"Mmm."

Natalie skeptically clapped. "Deal?"

"Deal."

All her prepared insults went unused.

After Natalie left, Kyle summoned Willow.

"Mom, did you threaten the Sullivans?"

Willow preened. "I'll take Sophia away, or I'll expose their scandal!"

"Stop!" Kyle's voice turned grave. "You just want to beat Audrey."

Willow's eyes darted.

"I've already missed my chance." He turned to Richard. "Dad, I want early discharge."

Next noon.

Kyle departed by ship.

Sophia received a text: Gone. Don't worry.

She stared at the screen, unmoving.