Sophia Laurent turned to leave, but Alexander Valentine's urgent call stopped her mid-step.

She hurried back to the hospital bed and repositioned the oxygen mask over Theodore Valentine's ashen face.

The rapid click of heels echoed down the hallway.

Medical staff burst into the room pushing emergency equipment.

The screech of scissors slicing through the hospital gown pierced the air.

Beneath the electrode pads, Theodore's skin had taken on a sickly gray hue.

"1mg epinephrine IV push!"

"Prepare defibrillator! 200 joules!"

The doctor's commands ricocheted off the sterile walls.

The EKG monitor's erratic lines spiked violently.

Alexander's knuckles whitened as his fists clenched.

Thirty minutes later, the monitor finally stabilized into steady green peaks.

Theodore's chest rose and fell once more.

Sophia's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Absolute rest is required," the doctor warned before leaving. "No emotional distress."

Silence reclaimed the private ward.

"I'm sorry," Sophia whispered. "I didn't mean to—"

Alexander handed her a glass of water. "Not your fault."

The warmth seeping through the glass made her fingers tremble.

"About the IVF procedure, I just can't—"

"I understand." Alexander cut her off gently. "No explanations needed."

A muffled sob came from the bed.

Sophia turned to Theodore. "Take care, Mr. Valentine."

The formal address sent fresh tears rolling down the old man's cheeks.

As the door clicked shut, Isabella Valentine emerged from the shadows.

"Dad!"

She rushed in clutching flowers, only to be blocked by Alexander.

"Get out."

"Brother!" Isabella forced a saccharine smile. "I'm your sister too."

Alexander's laugh held no warmth. "I have one sister."

Theodore erupted into violent coughing.

"Household registry..." He gasped, tearing off his oxygen mask. "Remove her...name..."

Isabella's bouquet hit the floor with a thud.

"Father!"

"Change it to Ulrich." Theodore closed his eyes. "Immediately."

As Alexander dialed his lawyer, Isabella collapsed to her knees.

"I refuse!"

When security dragged her out, her nails screeched against the doorframe.

Two weeks later.

Isabella Ulrich stared blankly at her new ID card.

The words "Ulrich Village, No.444" burned her retinas.

An empty bottle of sleeping pills sat on her vanity.

Victoria Windsor's scream shattered the mansion's peace.

Snow fell silently on New Year's Eve.

Theodore gazed absently at fireworks beyond his window.

"Cook dinner," he told Alexander entering the room. "Make your mother's favorites."

As the aroma of abalone wafted from the kitchen, Theodore spoke suddenly.

"Raymond Stone dies tonight."

The chopping sounds ceased abruptly.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning." The old man's voice rasped. "Just like he did to me."

When Alexander turned, he saw crimson veins in his father's eyes.

"Twenty years ago—"

"Enough." Theodore grabbed his phone. "Call it off."

Before the call connected, he murmured:

"Karma..."