In the master bedroom of the Laurent residence.

Vincent Laurent retrieved a ring with a weathered luster from a velvet jewelry box. "Do you remember this?"

Evelyn Grandelle's gaze fell upon the platinum band.

The tiny diamonds no longer sparkled, and the ring bore years of wear.

Her lashes fluttered. "I'm sorry. I only remember the painful things."

Vincent studied the fine lines at the corners of her eyes.

His heart clenched as if gripped by an invisible hand.

This woman, toyed with by fate, had struggled in darkness for twenty-four long years.

He took her hand and slowly slid the ring onto her finger. "From now on, your life will only know sunlight."

Evelyn stiffened slightly.

Her parched heart, suddenly drenched by sweet rain, ached strangely.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face against his chest.

Theodore Valentine had been quicksand, but Vincent was her salvation.

One choice had rewritten her entire life.

Vincent rested his chin atop her head. "Are you angry that I married you while you weren't in your right mind?"

"Yes."

"Hmm?"

"Angry that you came so late."

Vincent chuckled. "Comrade Evelyn, you've grown bold."

She lifted her eyes. "Is that a problem?"

"Couldn't be happier." He leaned down and captured her lips.

As passion stirred, his fingers paused at her nightgown buttons. "May I?"

She gave a slight nod.

Like handling fragile porcelain, he reverently undid the clasps...

This was their first intimacy since the marriage.

Love between the middle-aged burned less fiercely, more like aged wine—lingering and profound.

The next morning.

After Ethan and Sophia's departure, Audrey Sullivan arrived with a bouquet of lilies.

The two old friends settled in the sunroom.

Audrey studied Evelyn's radiant face. "Seems you've found the right one this time."

Evelyn touched the ring on her finger. "He's wonderful."

"Back then, you thought him too young at four years your junior. Instead, you married a wolf in sheep's clothing." Audrey's lips curled coldly. "Time reveals all truths."

Evelyn no longer recalled such details.

Audrey noticed the vintage ring. "When's the wedding?"

"What's there to celebrate for a second marriage?"

"It must be grand!" Audrey smacked the table. "Let everyone know that trash ex can stay far away!"

Evelyn laughed. "Still as fierce as ever."

Audrey sighed suddenly. "Fierce as I am, I'm still trapped in a marital cage. Not like you, reborn."

A phone ringtone cut sharply through the air.

Audrey glanced at the caller ID and answered.

Victor Sullivan's ingratiating voice came through: "Audrey, there's a concert tomorrow—"

"Get lost!"

The call ended with crisp finality.

Evelyn looked puzzled. "You two..."

"That old dog's been acting deranged lately. Annoying." Audrey's face twisted with distaste.

Evelyn said softly, "Don't endure what you shouldn't."

"Not until he transfers my parents' assets to Ethan." Audrey narrowed her eyes. "Can't let outsiders benefit."

After leaving the Laurent estate, Audrey received a call from Ethan.

"Which hospital did Evelyn use for IVF back then?"

"One in New York." Audrey recalled. "The technology wasn't advanced here twenty-four years ago."

"Send me the address and the doctor's name."

After hanging up, Ethan strode straight into the chairman's office.

"I'll attend the New York conference next Tuesday."

Victor, still smarting from Audrey's rejection, slammed the desk. "Handle your own work!"

"Not resigning is already me being considerate." Ethan's tone was mild.

Victor shoved the conference materials at him, seething. "Read it yourself!"

"See my assistant for handovers." As Ethan turned, he arched a brow. "Did Mom reject you again?"

"Nonsense! She wouldn't dare!"

Ethan smiled wordlessly and left with the documents.

A week later, a plane sliced through clouds en route to New York.

In the hospital archives, a silver-haired doctor opened a yellowed record book.

Sophia held her breath, fingertips trembling slightly.

The truth was within reach.