The private jet touched down at Kyoto Airport. Sophia Laurent gazed out the window at the familiar scenery and exhaled deeply.

Ethan Sullivan and Grace Langley's conditions had stabilized. They could finally return home to recuperate.

The next morning, Victor Sullivan's assistant called right on schedule.

"Miss Laurent, Mr. Sullivan has arranged the transfer procedures. Please arrive at the business bureau by ten."

Sophia's grip tightened around her phone.

The efficiency was almost unbelievable.

At the government office, the paperwork went surprisingly smooth.

Signatures. Stamps. Confirmations. All completed in one go.

Stepping outside, Sophia still felt it was unreal.

"Miss Laurent, Mr. Sullivan is waiting in the car." The assistant gestured respectfully.

Her hand instinctively brushed against the pepper spray in her bag.

Inside the extended Rolls-Royce, the starlight headliner shimmered dreamily.

Victor sipped his coffee and got straight to the point. "Pick a date to remarry Ethan."

Sophia nearly choked on her own saliva.

"You no longer mind my family background?"

He took another sip. "Vincent Laurent left you his entire fortune. That kind of devotion is rarer than blood ties."

Her lips twitched.

"You're the most... pragmatic person I've ever met."

"The business world is a battlefield. You get used to it." Victor set down his cup. "About Vincent's company shares—do you have a way to obtain them?"

Sophia's expression turned icy.

"I don't want them."

"Foolish." He scoffed. "Remember—any shares you hold can only be transferred to Ethan."

Before exiting the car, Victor suddenly added, "Tell Vincent to stay away from Audrey."

"You're overthinking." The door slammed shut behind her.

Over the phone, Ethan chuckled after hearing the account. "That's just how he is. Don't take it to heart."

"Does your head still hurt?"

"Say 'I love you' and it won't."

Sophia's eyes crinkled with laughter. "I love you."

"Instant relief." His voice warmed with amusement.

On New Year's Eve, fireworks bloomed across the night sky.

Sophia declined the invitation to Sullivan Manor, choosing to stay with Grace for the reunion dinner.

"Mom, eat more." She carefully mashed the food into soft bites.

The doorbell rang unexpectedly.

Vincent stood at the entrance holding an enormous red envelope. "Your father's here with New Year's money."

Her eyes instantly welled up.

This was the first red envelope she'd ever received from a father.

"And these." He produced five more envelopes. "From your grandmother and brothers."

Clutching the heavy stack, Sophia froze in flustered hesitation.

"The brothers don't need to—"

"You're the only girl in our family. It's only right." Vincent gently patted her head.

As they spoke, Audrey walked in carrying gifts.

"Mom?" Sophia brightened and hurried forward.

Audrey pressed a red envelope into her hands. "The manor was too noisy. I wanted to see you both."

Noticing Vincent, she gave a slight nod.

He retrieved a gilded envelope from his bag. "From my eldest brother."

Audrey waved it off. "At my age—"

"To some people, you'll always be young." His meaningful glance made her ears pink.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the envelope.