The blade flashed like lightning.

The bodyguard reacted swiftly, yanking Victor Sullivan out of harm's way.

The thrown knife grazed his suit sleeve before clattering to the floor.

Victor's heart pounded like a drum, cold sweat trickling down his back.

He forced composure, turning to glare at Shane Prescott.

This reckless brat!

Always so quick to pull a knife!

"Call the police!" Victor barked. "How dare he attack me!"

As the bodyguard reached for his phone, Natalie Sullivan grabbed his arm.

"Dad, if he really wanted to hurt you, you'd already be on the ground."

Victor's eyes bulged. "Did you see that? Stay away from dangerous people like him!"

"He's always been perfectly civil to me," Natalie retorted, pursing her lips. "You provoked him first."

"Me? Provoke him?" Victor's mustache quivered with rage. "He's the one causing trouble!"

The bodyguard hesitated, phone in hand. "Mr. Sullivan, should I—"

"Don't bother." Natalie signaled Iris Evans with a glance.

Understanding, Iris quickly led Shane toward the elevators.

Victor examined his sleeve.

A three-inch gash stared back at him.

"Get the spare from the car," he ordered, shrugging off the ruined jacket.

Turning, he nearly collided with Sophia Laurent approaching down the hall.

"Be more selective with your clients!" Victor snapped. "Stop taking jobs from every stray that comes along!"

Sophia paused.

The corner of her lips lifted. "Thank you."

Victor blinked.

Had the girl actually thanked him?

As the bodyguard returned with a fresh suit jacket, Victor muttered while dressing, "Did she just say 'thank you' to me?"

His assistant nodded. "Mrs. Sullivan did express gratitude."

"Finally understands my good intentions." Victor looked pleased.

The assistant thought privately: More like she couldn't be bothered to argue.

Then he noticed Sophia adjusting Natalie's collar.

The simple blouse accentuated her elegant grace.

Victor suddenly smiled. "She grows more agreeable by the day. If only we could add a grandson..."

"That will happen soon," the assistant placated.

Outside the restaurant, Sophia had barely entered her car when Ethan Sullivan called.

"Mom drank too much. I'll be home late."

"Should I come?"

"No, rest early."

Ethan hung up, watching his inebriated mother, Audrey Sullivan, on the bed.

"Thirty years ago today..." Tears streamed down Audrey's face. "If I'd been awake..."

Ethan remained silent.

The iron lady of business now trembled like a fallen leaf.

"Evelyn's child was found..." Audrey choked. "Where's mine?"

"We'll find him."

"If he's alive..." She suddenly gripped Ethan's hand. "Would he look like you?"

Ethan shook his head. "Brothers aren't carbon copies."

Audrey's grip slackened. "I've met so many people... How have I never..."

"Surveillance technology has improved. History won't repeat." Ethan tucked her in. "Sleep."

Before leaving, he dialed Victor. "Mom's at the apartment. You know what today is."

A long silence followed.

"She... doesn't want to see me."

Ethan's laugh was cold. "The chance is yours. Fail again, and you deserve to die alone."