The hospital corridor lights glared harshly.

Alexander Valentine held Natalie Sullivan's hand as they pushed open the ward door.

Theodore Valentine lay on the bed, his face ashen. A patch of hair had been shaved from the back of his head, leaving a ridiculous bald spot like a mangy watermelon.

Natalie bit back a laugh. "Mr. Valentine, that's quite the hairstyle."

He weakly waved a hand. "Don't mention it."

"Who did this? Should I call the police for you?"

"Family disgrace," Theodore sighed.

Natalie's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Victoria really went all out, huh?"

She secretly delighted in this dog-eat-dog scenario.

Theodore changed the subject. "Alexander, how's the company?"

Alexander handed him a file. "Everything's running smoothly. Just focus on recovering."

"What about Adrian's recent movements?"

"Nothing so far."

Theodore's expression darkened. "He plays the obedient one, but his ambitions run deep. You're too kindhearted to outmaneuver him."

The door burst open suddenly.

Isabella Valentine stormed in on stiletto heels. "Dad! Badmouthing my fiancé again?"

Theodore rubbed his temples. "Adrian isn't right for you."

"Then who is? Find me someone better!" Isabella stamped her foot petulantly.

To her shock, Theodore pulled out his phone. "I know an excellent TCM doctor. I'll call him now."

Ten minutes later, Dr. Julian Evans appeared in his white coat.

Natalie nearly laughed aloud when she recognized him—Sophia's former colleague.

Theodore made introductions eagerly. "This is my daughter Isabella. You young people should get acquainted."

Julian adjusted his glasses, barely glancing at Isabella.

"Apologies. I have a girlfriend."

"So soon? The nurses said you were single this morning."

"I just fell for a patient in the hallway." Julian's expression didn't flicker.

Natalie's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.

Isabella's face turned livid.

After Julian left and Alexander finished his work report, they bid Theodore goodbye.

In the hallway, Isabella chased after them.

"Brother! Dad gave you everything!"

Alexander frowned. "Haven't you received enough?"

"I want Mother's share!"

Natalie immediately stepped forward. "Dream on! That poisonous woman deserves nothing!"

Isabella's eyes turned venomous. "None of your business!"

"Everything about him is my business!" Natalie wrapped her arms around Alexander's arm possessively. "He's mine!"

Isabella spun on her heel and stormed off.

Natalie tilted her face up adoringly. "Alexander, let's get married!"

His heartbeat quickened. "Whenever you're ready."

Hand in hand, they left the hospital.

In the car, Natalie's eyes shone. "Skip that contract signing this afternoon."

"But I promised your brother—"

"I'll handle him!" She pulled out her phone. "Ethan, if you give my man trouble, I'll tell Audrey about your secret stash!"

Ethan immediately capitulated on the other end.

Alexander shook his head with an amused smile.

Thirty minutes later at their apartment door, Natalie suddenly leaped onto him, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"Alexander, let's do what adults do."

His ears turned crimson. "Don't be ridiculous..."

She nibbled his earlobe, whispering hotly, "Just surrender to me~"

The warm breath sent shivers through him.

This little minx would be the death of him.