Kyle Grant's gaze lingered on Sophia Laurent's flushed cheeks, his pupils darkening abruptly.

He averted his eyes and pointed at Lillian Yates. "The car accident was her doing."

Ethan Sullivan looked up, a glacial glint flashing in his eyes. "Impressive tactics, Miss Yates."

Lillian hung her head, her voice barely audible. "I'm sorry... I thought the bride that day was Sophia..."

Sophia's pupils constricted violently.

She had always believed the crash was purely accidental.

"Because of your jealousy, you nearly killed him?" Sophia shot to her feet, her fingertips trembling. "He had intracranial bleeding, a fractured arm, and multiple contusions!"

Lillian pursed her lips. "You made that stand-in bride look too much like you..."

"Absurd!" Sophia's chest heaved with rage. "That was to fulfill an old man's dying wish!"

"Enough!" Kyle barked sharply. "We're here to apologize today."

Suddenly, Lillian raised her hand and slapped herself hard across the face.

The sharp crack of skin against skin echoed through the hospital room.

She struck with such force that both cheeks immediately reddened and swelled.

Kyle frowned. "Stop."

Lillian shoved a check into Sophia's hands before turning to flee.

Muffled sobs drifted down the hallway.

Kyle turned to Ethan. "The police investigated. It was indeed an accident."

"What about the body?"

"The truck driver was fatigued. That intersection..." Kyle hesitated. "Has a strange reputation."

Ethan's expression softened slightly. "Thanks."

"Repaying a debt to Sophia." Kyle adjusted his cuff. "I won't disturb you further."

Sophia's ears burned.

As Kyle opened the door, he nearly collided with Victor Sullivan in a wheelchair.

Their eyes locked, sparks flying between them.

"Kyle Grant!" Victor snapped.

"What do you want?"

"We need to talk."

Kyle smirked coldly. "Not interested."

Victor lowered his voice. "Attempted murder could land you in prison for life."

The icy muzzle of a gun suddenly pressed against the back of Victor's skull.

Victor froze completely.

"Want to die?" Kyle's voice was arctic.

Bodyguards instantly surrounded them.

"Stand down!" Victor broke out in a cold sweat.

Kyle holstered his weapon with lightning speed.

"The car accident settles our score. We're even." Victor's voice tightened.

"Control your people." Kyle turned to leave.

Victor pursued him. "Your mother never told you the truth."

Kyle's steps faltered.

"She set me up, then blackmailed me afterward." Victor gritted his teeth. "Ask her if you don't believe me."

"So you sent someone to burn me alive?" Kyle's spine stiffened. "I was twelve!"

"Not me!"

"Then who?"

Victor's eyes darted evasively. "No idea."

"I'll find out." Kyle's fists clenched audibly. "None of them will escape."

The next day, on the hospital rooftop.

Victor stared directly at Sophia. "I had nothing to do with your mother's situation."

"Proof?" Sophia's gaze was razor-sharp.

"What will it take to end this?"

Sophia laughed coldly. "One percent of Sullivan Group shares, or the killer's life."

"You!" Victor laughed bitterly, his fury peaking. "Quite the appetite!"

"Choose." Sophia turned away. "You have one month."

Back in the hospital room, Sophia recounted the exchange to Ethan.

"Brilliant." He stroked her hair gently. "Already strategizing for me."

Sophia leaned against his shoulder. "That one percent will be crucial leverage."

Ethan's heart burned with emotion.

His once-gentle woman was now fighting tooth and nail for him.

"How should I thank you?" He kissed her fingertips.

Sophia wiggled her diamond ring. "This is enough."

"Not even close." Ethan whispered against her ear. "Once I recover, I'll repay you... with interest."

Sophia's ears flushed crimson. "In your dreams."

"You won't have a choice." He captured her earlobe between his teeth. "When the time comes... begging won't save you."