Victor Sullivan glared at his assistant in the passenger seat. "Between Vincent Laurent and me, who's more handsome?"

The assistant froze.

His usually stern boss asking such a question was completely out of character.

After careful consideration, the assistant replied, "Mr. Sullivan, your commanding presence is unmatched."

Victor narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying I'm not as good-looking as him?"

Beads of sweat formed on the assistant's forehead. "Mr. Laurent is younger. It's not a fair comparison."

Victor's expression darkened further. "Are you calling me old? I'm only fifty-nine!"

The assistant's back was drenched now. "You're authoritative and powerful, while Mr. Laurent is refined and cultured. Different styles."

Only then did Victor let it go.

The assistant discreetly wiped his brow.

This job was getting harder by the minute.

Nearby, Vincent Laurent got into his car and drove away.

But Audrey Sullivan remained standing, gazing wistfully at the departing vehicle.

Victor saw red.

He flung the car door open. "I don't need the wheelchair!"

The assistant hurried to stop him. "Your leg injury—"

"I can walk!"

Limping heavily, Victor stormed up to Audrey. "Have some dignity! Vincent is Sophia's father. What would people think of you making eyes at him?"

Lost in memories, Audrey was jolted by his words.

She gave him a cold once-over. "Still running around with that limp?"

Victor straightened his back. "It's just a sprain!"

"You'll be crippled for real soon enough."

"And you're justified in chasing after men?"

Audrey smirked. "Not like you—three women, five children!"

"I came to see our son!"

"Every time you visit, something bad happens to him."

Victor's face fell. "Is Ethan badly hurt?"

Audrey said coolly, "Terribly."

"How serious is it?"

"He's risen from the ashes."

Victor's legs nearly gave out.

His voice trembled. "Ethan... didn't make it?"

Audrey shot him a look. "Don't be morbid!"

She turned to leave.

Victor stumbled after her. "Explain yourself!"

Without looking back, Audrey quickened her pace.

Gasping in pain, Victor finally relented and got into the wheelchair.

In the hospital room.

Ethan Sullivan lay in bed receiving an IV, his forehead bandaged.

Victor's eyes reddened. "How did this happen?"

Ethan said coldly, "Why are you here?"

"Those bodyguards couldn't stop me."

"Quite the accomplishment."

Victor glanced around. "Where's Sophia? She's not here when you're injured?"

Ethan frowned. "She went to get food."

"That woman is nothing but trouble!"

"Nonsense! Every incident happened when we were apart. She's my lucky charm."

Victor scoffed. "Superstitious nonsense!"

Ethan said impatiently, "Mom, get him out of here."

Audrey opened the door. "Must we throw you out?"

Seeing his son's pale face, Victor softened his tone. "Rest well. I'll come back tomorrow."

"Don't bother."

Victor left dejectedly.

In the hallway, he muttered, "What did I do wrong?"

The assistant consoled him. "Mr. Sullivan will understand your intentions."

"He's always been my favorite..."

The assistant suggested, "If you treat Miss Laurent better, your relationship might improve."

Victor was about to agree when he remembered Audrey and Vincent, and his stomach turned.

"Find me a hair salon. I'm getting my hair dyed."

The assistant was secretly shocked.

Vincent had really gotten under his skin.

That night.

Sophia gently massaged Ethan's neck. "Does your head still hurt?"

"Not too bad."

"Will you lose your memory?"

"When I first woke up, I couldn't remember anything. It came back slowly."

Sophia hugged him tightly.

Feeling the warmth of his back, her heart ached.

She had almost lost him.

Ethan took her wrist. "You've lost weight. Take care of your mother during the day. Just come see me at night."

Sophia was taken aback. "But you're injured..."

He chuckled. "What are you thinking? Just sleeping."

Sophia's ears burned.

Ethan nibbled her earlobe. "If I weren't injured..."

His kisses set her skin on fire.

"Any more and I'll combust."

"Just kissing, nothing more."

As they embraced, a knock sounded at the door.

Sophia hurriedly straightened her clothes. "Come in."

Kyle Grant entered with Lillian Yates trailing behind him, her head bowed.