The rain poured down in torrents, pelting Theodore Valentine's body like bullets.

His assistant hurriedly opened a black umbrella and chased after him. "Mr. Valentine, you'll catch your death out here."

Theodore stood motionless in the downpour, staring up at the second-floor window with its drawn curtains. "Sophia must be watching me."

The assistant followed his gaze but only saw rain-streaked glass.

"Miss Laurent has a kind heart," the assistant offered a tissue. "Last time she nearly died saving Mr. Grandelle. Seeing you like this would break her."

Theodore accepted the tissue and wiped his face. "She takes after her grandfather in character."

The assistant nodded. "Mr. Laurent raised her well."

"I forced her to abort and donate marrow for Isabella..." Theodore's voice cracked. "Looking back, it was inhuman."

"You didn't know she was your daughter then," the assistant comforted.

"Knowing makes it worse." Theodore clenched his fists. "Such a filial child - she'll take care of me in my old age."

The assistant lowered his voice. "But Mr. Sullivan seems to favor Mr. Ethan more—"

CRACK!

Lightning struck mere feet away.

Theodore stumbled back three steps, his tailored trousers splattered with mud.

"Sir, that was too close!" The assistant white-knuckled the shaking umbrella handle.

Watching the darkening sky, Theodore finally relented. "We'll come another day."

As he moved toward his car, a black Maybach glided to a stop beside them.

The window lowered, revealing Ethan Sullivan's chiseled profile. "Business, Mr. Valentine?"

Theodore forced a smile. "Ethan, I am your father-in-law—"

"My father-in-law's surname is Laurent." Ethan's lips curled in disdain. "Not Valentine."

Before the window closed, Theodore heard the engine roar as the driver accelerated.

Dirty water sprayed across his suit.

"To the psychiatric hospital," Theodore growled, sliding into his car.

The assistant hesitated. "But Madam said—"

"What does that woman matter!" Theodore slammed his fist against the seat.

Nearby, Isabella Valentine lowered her binoculars and dialed a number. "Mother! Father went to see that country bumpkin!"

Victoria Windsor shrieked through the phone. "Has he lost his mind?"

"Worse is coming." Isabella watched the retreating taillights. "He's heading for the suburbs."

At the psychiatric hospital entrance, a nurse blocked Theodore's path. "Mr. Sullivan's orders—"

"Tell your director," Theodore flicked a business card at her, "I'll supply all medical equipment next year."

The elevator doors opened to reveal Alexander Valentine and Natalie Sullivan holding hands.

"Alexander," Theodore feigned warmth, "about you and Natalie—"

Natalie cut him off. "Has my sister-in-law acknowledged you yet?"

Theodore's face stiffened. "Blood ties can't be erased."

"Peacock spreading its feathers," Natalie rolled her eyes.

Theodore turned to his son. "People will talk—"

Alexander suddenly pulled Natalie close. "You married sisters without shame. Why should I care?"

Natalie beamed, standing on tiptoes to kiss Alexander's cheek. "I'll marry no one but you!"

Theodore trembled with rage, like a cat with its tail stepped on.