Theodore Valentine stormed down the hospital corridor with a thunderous expression.

Natalie Sullivan darted forward, blocking his path.

"Uncle Theodore, my mother-in-law and father-in-law are having a private moment in there. As the ex-husband, you should respect that."

His face darkened further.

Men like him still treated their ex-wives as possessions, even after divorce.

When Evelyn Grandelle had announced her remarriage, he'd refused to relinquish her household registration documents.

Natalie's words cut like a knife.

"Disgusting behavior at your age!"

"That's true love!" Natalie lifted her chin. "Vincent Laurent is younger, handsomer, and a brilliant artist. She's happy with him."

A vein throbbed at Theodore's temple.

He shoved Natalie aside.

Alexander Valentine caught Natalie before she could chase after him.

"Let him go. Vincent is there."

"After she chased him with a knife last time, he still dares to show up?"

"Some people never learn. Isabella takes after him."

Natalie linked arms with Alexander. "Let's go make out in the car."

Alexander's ears turned red.

This girl was too much. He needed to marry her soon.

Inside the hospital room, Evelyn sat reading, her silver hair bathed in sunlight.

Vincent gently combed her hair with his fingers.

The scene was peaceful, like a painting.

Theodore watched from the doorway, bitterness rising in his throat.

Evelyn had once been the epitome of grace, but he'd found her dull.

Now, her quiet elegance only made her more captivating.

He turned away, defeated.

Isabella Valentine lurked in the shadows, immediately dialing Victoria Windsor.

"Mom! Dad went to see that lunatic again!"

Victoria exploded.

"That bastard! He ignored her for years, now that she's remarrying he can't stay away!"

Hanging up, Victoria paced her living room like a caged animal.

She grabbed a frying pan, drew the curtains, and killed the lights.

In the darkness, she coiled like a predator.

The moment Theodore stepped inside, the pan cracked against his skull.

Thud.

He collapsed, his head slamming against the entryway shelf. Blood pooled instantly.

Victoria kicked him.

"Stop faking!"

When he didn't move, panic set in.

Her hands shook violently as she checked for breath.

"N-no pulse?"

She fumbled for her phone.

"I...I killed your father..."

"What?!"

"Help me fix this!"

After hanging up, Victoria grabbed a boning knife.

"Don't blame me..."

As the blade descended, Theodore's eyes flew open. He kicked her across the room.

"You viper!"

Victoria crashed into furniture, dazed.

"You faked it?"

"How else would I see your true colors? Divorce. You get nothing."

"Over my dead body!"

Theodore smirked. "Attempted murder earns life in prison."

He summoned his assistant and had himself rushed to the hospital.

Alone in his hospital bed, regret gnawed at Theodore.

With trembling hands, he called Sophia Laurent.

"Sophia, your father is injured..."

"My father is Vincent Laurent." The line went dead.

Ethan Sullivan adjusted his tie as Sophia rose on tiptoes to kiss him.

"You seem happy."

"The old fool regrets everything. They're tearing each other apart."

Ethan's phone rang.

After the call, a smile played on his lips.

"Raymond Stone was in a car accident."

"Your doing?"

"Mmm." Ethan's tone was light. "The show's just beginning."