"Thud!"

Nathan Laurent was sent sprawling to the floor by Ethan Sullivan's kick, his face contorted in pain.

Clutching his tailbone, cold sweat dripped down his forehead.

When had the esteemed head of the Laurent Group ever suffered such humiliation?

"Ethan Sullivan!" Nathan snarled through gritted teeth. "You're asking for death!"

Shane Prescott stood by, watching coldly, his fingers lightly tapping the throwing knives at his waist.

Victor Sullivan quickly stepped in to mediate. "This is all a misunderstanding. Shane has already apologized."

"Apologized?" Nathan let out a furious laugh. "I want him on his knees!"

Ethan's eyes turned icy. "Dream on."

Tension crackled in the hospital room.

Leonard Laurent narrowed his eyes, staring at Shane like a venomous snake.

"Young man, arrogance shortens lifespans."

Shane scoffed. "Old man, too much talk can kill you faster."

Nathan exploded. "Guards! Teach this bastard a lesson!"

The bodyguards had barely rushed in when Ethan's glare froze them in place.

"Who dares lay a hand on my brother?"

Leonard suddenly slammed the table and stood. "Enough!"

His sinister gaze flickered between them before settling on Victor.

"Victor, is this how you raised your sons?"

Victor's forehead glistened with sweat, but he straightened his back. "My sons are not yours to criticize."

Shane gave his father a surprised glance.

"Let's go." Ethan pulled Shane toward the door.

The door slammed shut with a deafening crash.

In the hallway, Shane adjusted his cap low over his face. "Thanks."

"Family doesn't need thanks." Ethan checked his watch. "Sophia's waiting for me at home."

"Ethan~"

A sickly sweet voice made both men frown.

Isabella Valentine swayed toward them, her eyes lingering on Shane. "Who's this handsome guy?"

Behind his mask, Shane's expression darkened.

"Get lost," Ethan said coldly.

Isabella's smile froze.

Once the two were out of sight, she stomped her foot and pushed open the hospital room door.

"Adrian~" Her voice instantly turned tearful. "I heard you were hurt. I was so worried~"

Adrian Sullivan lay pale on the hospital bed. "What are you doing here?"

"I missed you~"

Leonard snorted and left with Nathan in tow.

The moment the door closed, Isabella threw herself onto Adrian. "I've missed you so much~"

Adrian frowned. "We broke up."

"Exes can still be friends~" Her fingers traced circles on his chest. "Besides... don't you miss me?"

Adrian's breath hitched.

This woman always knew how to ignite his desire.

"Lock the door," he rasped.

Isabella giggled as she turned the lock, already half-undressed when she turned back.

"Be gentle. You're still injured~"

Thirty minutes later.

At the end of the hallway, Leonard trembled with rage. "That slut!"

Nathan's face was grim. "I'll have someone take care of her."

"First, find Adrian a fiancée from a proper family." Leonard pounded his chest in frustration. "This is all your fault! You had to demand Sullivan shares as a dowry back then!"

"How was I supposed to know my sister would die in childbirth..."

"My poor Nicole!" Leonard's aged face crumpled with tears. "You died so tragically!"

His wails echoed through the empty hallway, startling a flock of white pigeons outside the window.