The car slowly entered Phoenix Cove.

Sophia Laurent gazed calmly out the window.

But everyone knew the storm raging beneath her composed exterior.

Pregnancy made her tired easily. After a simple dinner, she went to bed early.

The pile of antique painting restoration work on her desk had been neglected for days.

Such delicate work required complete focus. One careless move could ruin an entire masterpiece.

Ethan Sullivan watched her sleeping face, pressing a gentle kiss to her smooth forehead before quietly leaving.

A stack of documents awaited his signature at the office.

Sometime later, Sophia jolted awake.

Sitting up, the image of Vincent Grandelle on death's door flashed before her eyes.

Her hand instinctively touched her flat stomach as she sighed deeply.

When she went downstairs, a middle-aged man in a suit sat in the living room.

Victor Sullivan held a teacup, posture rigid, clearly here to confront her.

Sophia frowned at Iris Evans. "You let him in?"

Iris stuck out her tongue. "He is Mr. Sullivan's father..."

"Go to your room."

Once Iris left, Victor slammed his cup down. "I heard you're donating bone marrow to Vincent Grandelle?"

"You had me followed?"

"The hospital is full of my contacts." He scoffed. "You're carrying the Sullivan heir!"

Sophia straightened. "My body, my choice."

"Selfish!" He stood abruptly. "If you hadn't been reckless last year, that baby would've—"

"Enough!" Sophia cut him off sharply. "You're the last person who gets to mention that child!"

Victor fell silent, unnerved.

Strange—this delicate-looking girl had eyes sharp enough to chill his spine.

He rose awkwardly. "This pregnancy must be protected at all costs!"

He left in such haste he forgot his coat.

Sophia kept calling Alexander Valentine, but there was no news of Isabella.

Time was running out for Vincent.

Backing out now would be murder.

When Ethan returned that evening, Sophia forced a smile.

He tried everything to cheer her up, but how could she laugh with her mentor's life hanging by a thread?

She tossed and turned until dawn before finally drifting off.

By the time she woke, the sun was high.

After freshening up, she wanted to visit Vincent at the hospital.

A bodyguard stopped her. "Mr. Sullivan said you shouldn't go out."

Sophia called Ethan directly. "Any sign of Isabella?"

"Surveillance footage was tampered with. The Valentines claim they know nothing."

"I need to see my mentor."

Silence. Then: "Hospitals are full of germs. Not safe for you or the baby."

"But every time I close my eyes, I see him suffering." Her voice trembled. "It feels like watching family..."

Ethan's breath hitched. "Have you... heard something?"

"No." She softened her tone. "I'm just worried."

"Remember—money, resources, anything. But not your life."

The sterile hospital smell hit her as she entered.

At the lab, the HLA test results remained disappointing.

Leaving the restroom, she overheard two nurses:

"That poor old man... his own granddaughter backed out..."

"Two matches, but one fled and the other's pregnant..."

"Hush! The other one's someone important..."

"Those five Laurent men who came for blood draws..."

Sophia froze.

She braced against the wall, legs weak.

Vincent was her grandfather?

No wonder she'd felt an instant connection.

No wonder she resembled Evelyn Grandelle so much.

No wonder she'd always felt drawn to Alexander...

The puzzle pieces snapped into place.

She raced to Sullivan Corp.

Ethan was briefing his team when she threw open his office door.

Seeing her, he dismissed everyone immediately.

"What's—"

"Vincent is my grandfather?" Her voice shook. "Evelyn is my mother? Alexander is my brother?"

Ethan's smile vanished.

"Who told you?"

"Answer me!" The words tore from her throat.

He pulled her into a crushing embrace, voice rough. "Sophia... don't leave me and our child..."