Sophia Laurent found herself both amused and exasperated by Ethan Sullivan's relentless gift-giving.

That morning, as soon as she woke up, a deliveryman arrived with a pink gift box half her height. Inside was a blinking smart doll, accompanied by an entire suitcase of changeable outfits.

"This is the third one this week," Sophia texted Ethan with a sigh.

He replied instantly: "Do you like it?"

She stared at the doll batting its eyelashes at her. Her fingers tapped the screen: "I'm twenty-four."

Ethan's response popped up: "To me, you'll always be three."

When Ethan came home that evening, he carried yet another plush toy. The sight of him—dressed in a tailored suit yet cradling an adorable bunny—made Sophia burst into laughter.

"Stop," she said, taking the stuffed animal. "We'll have to open a toy store at this rate."

Loosening his tie, Ethan gazed at her with liquid warmth. "Don't you like them?"

"They're too childish." She set the bunny on the sofa. "Is something going on?"

A flicker passed through Ethan's eyes.

Lately, he kept remembering childhood visits with his mother to Aunt Evelyn's house to see the newborn baby. Who could have imagined that infant—destined to die young—would become his wife?

"I just want to treat you well," he murmured, pulling her into his arms.

Resting against his chest, Sophia sensed his recent strangeness. Even Iris Evans had noticed, whispering: "Did Mr. Sullivan do something wrong?"

"Probably not," Sophia shook her head. "He's been extra clingy lately."

As they spoke, Zane Riveron called to challenge Iris to a drinking contest. Watching her friend rush out, Sophia grew thoughtful.

The next morning at breakfast, Sophia suddenly asked: "Can you check Willow Grant's bank account for me?"

Ethan's chopsticks paused. "Why her?"

"I want to send Kyle Grant's grandmother some medical funds," she explained. "He'd never accept it directly."

That afternoon, Sophia arrived at the bank with her bodyguards. In the VIP room, she handed the manager a completed wire transfer form: "Fifteen million dollars, please."

Nearby, Isabella Valentine watched, green with envy. She immediately called Victor Sullivan to tattle, only to hear: "That's Sophia's own money."

Returning home, Isabella stomped her foot. "Uncle Victor is completely on Ethan's side now!"

Victoria Windsor narrowed her eyes. "Patience, darling. Mother has a plan." She dialed Zoe Riveron's number, but the call ended after two sentences.

"Ungrateful wretch!" Victoria hurled her phone.

Isabella smirked. "That trick's too old."

With a sinister smile, Victoria retrieved a long-unused contact. "Just wait. The real show hasn't begun." Her lips curled as she traced the forgotten number.