Sophia's fingers trembled. "Will Victor Sullivan die? Will you go to jail?"

She feared the latter more.

Kyle Grant remained calm. "A fractured orbital bone looks worse than it is. He'll be discharged in ten days." He paused. "Don't overthink this. It's personal between us."

Sophia understood perfectly.

He was shielding her.

Gratitude and guilt twisted inside her.

A sudden realization struck her. "That driver—"

"One of my former comrades." Kyle's gaze sharpened. "Professional bailout. Consider it a warning."

Her throat tightened. "Thank you."

Kyle chuckled. "You weren't this formal when we were kids."

"We've both changed."

He studied her. "Afraid of me now?"

She shook her head. "The real monster is the abuser."

Ice melted in Kyle's eyes.

Clicking heels interrupted them.

Willow Grant approached in an emerald qipao, her curves accentuated. She thrust flowers at Sophia. "Grace will recover."

Sophia accepted them silently.

Willow dragged Kyle away.

Around the corner, she raised her hand to strike. "Have you lost your mind?"

Kyle dodged effortlessly.

"Victor's accident—your doing?"

"Yes."

Willow paled. "Trying to kill me with stress?"

"You've hated him for years."

"That's my vengeance to take!" Her voice shook. "You're my only son!"

Kyle shrugged. "He won't die."

"What if—"

"They won't involve the police."

Willow's chest heaved. "Next time, I'll break your legs myself!"

A cold laugh escaped her. "For Sophia Laurent? Really?"

Kyle's expression darkened. "You wouldn't understand."

"Your grandmother—"

"I'll find a stand-in."

Willow sneered. "She won't even pretend."

Kyle turned to leave.

At the转角, he found Sophia waiting.

"Passing by?" He arched a brow.

She lowered her gaze.

Suspicion coiled around Willow.

Why choose a boat trip among all California's attractions?

With her adoptive mother comatose, everyone seemed guilty.

Relief washed over her—no evidence found, but Willow's resentment lingered.

"Suspecting my mother?" Kyle cut to the chase.

Sophia's lashes fluttered.

"She lacks the cunning." His tone brooked no argument. "Emotional people can't hide schemes."

Recalling Willow's usual outbursts, Sophia conceded.

"My apologies."

"I'd do the same."

Four days later.

Grace Langley woke.

But coherent speech eluded her.

The doctor diagnosed post-traumatic brain injury.

Clutching her mother's swollen hand, Sophia's heart shattered.

If only she'd left Ethan Sullivan completely...

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Dad?" Sophia spun around,surprised.