A sharp whistling sound pierced the air.

Victoria Windsor's head snapped back as pain exploded through her skull. Darkness swallowed her vision before she collapsed like a felled tree.

Sophia Laurent whirled around.

Fifty meters away, a tall figure stood silhouetted against the light. His black uniform jacket accentuated broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. The close-cropped haircut framed features as sharp as a blade.

Two elegant gift boxes dangled from his left hand.

"Kyle Grant?" Sophia's eyes brightened.

His military boots thudded against the pavement with measured precision as he approached.

"Just returned yesterday." His gaze swept over Victoria's unconscious form, frost glinting in his eyes. When they landed on Sophia, his expression softened instantly.

"You've lost weight." His throat moved as he studied her pallid complexion.

Sophia's fingers brushed her cheek. "Bone marrow donation for my mentor. I'll recover."

His eyes caught the silver strands peeking through her hair. The sight hit him like a sledgehammer to the chest.

He looked away deliberately.

"Grandmother passed." His voice remained steady. "Following her wishes, I brought her back to rest beside Grandfather."

Sophia's heart clenched. Memories surfaced of the kind old woman who'd stuffed pork buns for her, fried crispy meat with loving hands.

"My condolences," she murmured.

Kyle's mouth twitched. "The suffering lasted too long. Death was mercy."

They walked side by side toward the hospital ward.

Vincent Grandelle's clouded eyes brightened at Kyle's entrance.

"You've endured much, sir." Kyle set down the gift boxes.

Vincent waved a feeble hand. "Thanks to Sophia's sacrifice."

"I can't accept your assets, Master." Sophia interjected quickly.

"The will's already executed." Vincent coughed. "Isabella's share goes to you. Alexander waived his claim."

The door burst open.

Diana Grandelle stormed in, supporting a wobbly Victoria. The sixty-something woman's flawless makeup and gaudy jewels couldn't disguise her venom.

"Forty years I served you!" Diana shrilled. "And you leave me one miserable house?"

Vincent's laugh was brittle. "The prenup was clear. My fortune was never yours."

Diana's face contorted. She dabbed at dry eyes with a handkerchief. "I bore your children—"

"Enough!" Vincent cut her off. "How many times did you visit during my illness?"

The fake sobs ceased abruptly.

Victoria clutched her injured head. "You always favored her!"

"One more word," Vincent gasped, "and I'll reclaim every property under your names."

Sophia hurried to soothe him.

Diana's glare turned murderous. "The old fool's besotted with this little vixen—"

CRACK!

A slap echoed through the room. Diana's cheek swelled instantly, though no one saw the attacker.

"Ghosts! There are ghosts!" She spun wildly, panic-stricken.

Kyle remained motionless, face blank.

The mother-daughter pair fled in disarray.

Outside the building, Victoria gnashed her teeth. "That bastard girl doesn't deserve—"

BOOM!

A thermos exploded at their feet. Boiling water sprayed everywhere.

Looking up, they saw Kyle's icy countenance at the window. His gaze could flay flesh from bone.

Diana's knees buckled. "That was a warning..."

Victoria's face drained of color. "The madman..."

They scrambled away like frightened rabbits.