Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sullivan Group conference room.

Ethan Sullivan sat at the head of the long table, his slender fingers tapping lightly on the surface. After three grueling hours, weariness shadowed his brow.

"Meeting adjourned." His command sent executives scrambling to their feet.

Victor Sullivan intercepted him the moment he stepped out. "What about the marriage certificate?"

Ethan's expression remained impassive. "No rush."

"It's been a week!" Victor's temple pulsed visibly. "What's Sophia playing at?"

"She has her reasons."

Victor sneered. "She fought tooth and nail against the divorce before. Now she's putting on airs."

"Because your motives are transparent." Ethan's gaze sharpened like a blade. "You fawn over her when useful, discard her when not. Would you agree if roles were reversed?"

"You—" Victor's face darkened with rage. "This is for the company!"

Ethan turned away, his posture unyielding as a pine.

Back in his office, he'd barely opened a file when the door eased open.

Sophia entered carrying an insulated container, morning dew still clinging to her hair. "I heard you coughing last night. Made pear soup."

A flicker of warmth crossed Ethan's eyes. "Just a cold."

"Stubborn." She shot him a reproachful glance.

When his secretary brought coffee, Sophia studied the woman a beat too long.

"Jealous?" Ethan arched a brow and dialed his intercom. "Replace all female secretaries with male staff."

Sophia laughed helplessly. "I merely commented."

"I like seeing you care." He lifted a spoonful to her lips.

Their moment shattered as Adrian Sullivan barged in.

"My apologies." His meaningful glance at Sophia preceded a swift exit after dropping off documents.

Back in his own office, Adrian summoned his aide. "Any progress on Sophia's background?"

"Confirmed Evelyn Grandelle did give birth that year." The assistant lowered his voice. "Now we need their DNA samples."

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Send someone untraceable."

Ten minutes later, Sophia was "accidentally" bumped in the lobby. The stranger snatched several hairs, sealing them in a plastic bag.

The next day, Vincent Laurent took Sophia to tour Laurent Group headquarters.

Gazing at the city skyline from the penthouse, she murmured, "No wonder Chairman Sullivan is so impatient."

Vincent patted her shoulder gently. "Don't overthink it."

At lunch, the same ploy repeated—a clumsy office worker "mistakenly" yanked Vincent's hair.

Sophia's eyes turned glacial.

As the woman turned to flee, Sophia barked, "Stop!"

The impostor bolted.

Without hesitation, Sophia gave chase.