Sophia Laurent stood motionless.

Her slender fingers slowly unzipped her purse and retrieved a transparent glass vial.

The nail polish-sized bottle glinted coldly under the office lights.

Theodore Valentine's office was carpeted in thick wool, swallowing all sound of her footsteps.

The electric kettle hummed to life.

Steam erupted from its spout in violent bursts.

With a flick of her wrist—

The vial traced a perfect arc through the air before landing inside the boiling water.

She darted back against the wall.

"Boom!"

The rosewood coffee table exploded into splinters.

Shards of teacups scattered like shrapnel.

Theodore's face drained of color as his obese frame miraculously dove beneath his desk.

Sophia observed coldly.

From her bag, she produced a larger glass bottle and slammed it onto his desk.

"Evelyn Grandelle's identification documents."

Theodore crawled out, his suit dusted with debris.

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Not as thoroughly as you." Her fingertip tapped the glass. "Marital infidelity. Imprisoning your lawful wife. Now those are masterstrokes, Mr. Valentine."

His finger stabbed at the intercom button.

Sophia seized his wrist.

"Three seconds." She raised three fingers. "Three. Two—"

Beads of sweat erupted on Theodore's forehead.

The desk drawer screeched open.

Documents were hurled onto the mahogany surface.

The office door lock clicked.

Alexander Valentine strode inside.

His first glance confirmed Sophia's safety. His second took in the devastation.

"Brilliant detonation." The corner of his mouth lifted. "Valentine Group could use that caliber of audacity."

Theodore trembled with rage.

"You—"

Legal documents slapped onto the desk.

Alexander thrust a fountain pen forward. "Sign."

The nitroglycerin bottle swayed in Sophia's grip.

The pen tore across the signature line.

As they exited, Alexander suddenly gripped Sophia's arm.

"That was reckless."

His voice shook.

She met his bloodshot eyes.

This perpetually composed man's fingers were ice-cold.

"I'm here now." Alexander pulled her into an embrace. "From now on, I protect you."

Natalie Sullivan's shriek detonated at the doorway.

"You two!"

Her pink skirt flared like an agitated blossom.

"She's my sister," Alexander sighed.

Natalie's eyes rounded.

She launched herself at Sophia.

"I knew it!" Tears smeared onto Sophia's shoulder. "You were always meant to be family!"

Sophia gasped for air in the stranglehold.

"Now for the real question." Natalie giggled through tears. "Do I call you sis-in-law, or do you call me sis-in-law?"

Beyond the office—

Theodore's roars reverberated faintly.

Security guards scrambled to handle the "explosive device."

No one noticed—

It was merely a bottle of mineral water.