Theodore Valentine stormed into Victor Sullivan's office, clutching his bleeding forehead.

The door slammed open with a thunderous crash.

Victor looked up from his meeting, his expression darkening instantly.

He dismissed his vice president with a wave and handed Theodore tissues. "Theodore, what—"

"Your son's doing!" Theodore snatched the tissues and pressed them to his wound. "Ethan hit me with an ashtray!"

Victor frowned. "Ethan's always been level-headed. Why would he—"

"It's about Isabella!" Theodore collapsed onto the sofa. "He's keeping her locked up in detention. When I demanded her release, he attacked me without hesitation!"

Victor narrowed his eyes. "What exactly did you say?"

Theodore's gaze flickered. "I merely mentioned Sophia could also donate bone marrow—"

Smack! Victor slammed his palm on the desk. "Sophia's pregnant! You'd ask her to donate marrow?"

"Spare me the act!" Theodore sneered. "You never liked that girl either. Now that you know she's Vincent Laurent's daughter, you've changed your tune."

Victor's face turned stormy. "Consider the Riverside Bay project terminated."

"You—" Theodore shot to his feet. "Then don't blame me for speaking out. Sophia already donated marrow. She lost the baby!"

Victor's pupils constricted, his fingers trembling slightly.

Satisfied by his reaction, Theodore stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

In the psychiatric hospital corridor, Alexander Valentine paced anxiously.

His heart pounded as he kept glancing toward the elevators.

When the doors opened to reveal Sophia's pale face, his eyes instantly reddened.

"Brother..." Sophia whispered.

The single word tightened Alexander's throat. He quickly turned away. "Come in. Mom's waiting."

Inside the room, Evelyn Grandelle cradled a doll, humming softly.

"Mom," Alexander said gently, "Sophia's here to see you."

Evelyn's head snapped up. She clutched the doll protectively. "Go away! Don't take my baby!"

Sophia approached slowly, tears welling in her eyes. "Mom, it's me, Sophia..."

"Get out!" Evelyn suddenly hurled a pillow at her.

Sophia didn't flinch, letting the pillow strike her. With a trembling hand, she reached out. "Mom, I'm home..."

Evelyn's eyes clouded with confusion.

Just as Sophia's fingers were about to touch her—

Slap!

A stinging blow landed across Sophia's face.

Ethan immediately shielded her while Alexander restrained their mother.

"Let's go." Sophia pressed a hand to her burning cheek, tears streaming down her face.

The moment the door closed, Evelyn grew still.

She looked down at the doll and gently wiped its face. "Don't cry, baby... Mommy's here..."

Her fingers traced two faint tear stains on the doll's cheeks.