Isabella Valentine shot up from her chair, the legs screeching against the marble floor.

Without a backward glance, she stormed out, her stilettos striking the tiles like hammer blows.

Victor Sullivan's attitude had ignited her fury.

The man who'd once doted on her now spoke coldly—all because of Sophia Laurent.

The whiplash left her chest tight with resentment.

Slamming her car door, she sped toward Valentine Group headquarters.

"Dad!" She burst into Theodore Valentine's office, eyes rimmed red. "Victor was utterly vile to me!"

Theodore set down his documents. "Explain."

"He told me to stay out of Sophia's way!" Her voice cracked. "Ever since she was acknowledged by Vincent Laurent, he's done a complete about-face!"

Theodore's expression darkened. "That opportunistic snake!"

He snatched up his phone. "Victor, how dare you treat my daughter this way?"

Victor's smooth voice oozed through the receiver. "Theodore, I only have Isabella's best interests at heart. That girl suffered enough before—"

"Bullshit!" Theodore ended the call and slammed his fist on the desk. "That spineless fox!"

Isabella bit her lip, unshed tears glistening.

——

One week later, Kyoto Grand Hotel.

Sophia carefully examined the Song Dynasty pear-shaped vase brought by Frederick Vanderbilt.

"Flawless restoration is possible," she declared, setting down her loupe.

Frederick beamed. "Marvelous! Every other expert claimed it was hopeless."

The private dining room door swung open.

A sharply tailored young man entered.

"My son Felix," Frederick introduced. "He's long admired your work, Ms. Laurent."

Felix's gaze burned into Sophia. "You're even more radiant than on television."

She offered a polite smile.

Throughout dinner, Felix monopolized the conversation with increasingly personal remarks. His intense stare made Sophia's skin prickle.

She excused herself to the ladies' room.

Felix immediately stood. "Allow me to escort you."

——

Down the corridor, Victor witnessed the exchange.

He dialed Ethan Sullivan's number. "Your wife is on a date!"

A beat of silence.

"Location." Ethan's voice turned arctic.

"Sixth floor." Victor barked. "I'm dispatching someone with your marriage license. Remarry her immediately!"

Ethan scoffed. "Now you're concerned?"

"If I'd known she was Vincent Laurent's daughter—" Victor cut himself off.

"And if she weren't?" Ethan countered.

Victor faltered, then doubled down. "Impossible! Their mannerisms are identical!"

"Goodbye." Ethan's tone could frost glass.

"Wait!" Victor barked. "Move into the Laurent residence tonight. Don't return without her!"

Ethan's brow arched. "You're serious?"

"Expedite the remarriage!" Victor near-shouted. "Every moment risks losing her!"