Sophia nestled against Ethan's chest, her fingertips tracing light patterns across his torso.

Ethan reached for his phone on the nightstand and dialed his assistant. "Reschedule tomorrow's golf outing for William. If he declines, tell him I have a medical checkup."

The assistant hesitated. "Understood, Mr. Sullivan."

After hanging up, Sophia tilted her head. "A checkup? Didn't you just have one this spring?"

"William insisted." Ethan pinched her nose playfully. "Said our trouble conceiving might be my fault."

Sophia chuckled. "The sun must be rising from the west. Your father actually considered my feelings."

"Rare indeed." Ethan arched a brow. "Given his stubbornness."

"I'll go with you tomorrow."

"Hospitals are full of germs."

She blinked. "If it is your issue, I should be there for something this big." Patting her shoulder, she added, "Lean on me."

Ethan gazed at her radiant smile.

Her brightness held him captive.

The next morning, Sophia ate breakfast alone while Ethan left for the hospital on an empty stomach.

Under their bodyguards' escort, they arrived at City General Hospital.

A full examination—with emphasis on sperm quality.

When Ethan emerged from the urology department, Adrian stood waiting.

Adrian's eyes swept over him. "What a coincidence. Here for a checkup too?"

Ethan slid a hand into his pocket. "Routine."

"Good call." Adrian's smile didn't reach his eyes. "All the wealth in the world means nothing if you're not alive to spend it."

A veiled jab about the old car accident.

Ethan countered smoothly, "Life is precious. Some people nearly drown on a simple cruise."

Adrian's expression stiffened.

Sophia linked arms with Ethan. "Time for your next test."

They walked away.

Adrian called after Sophia's retreating figure, voice dripping with sarcasm, "How enviable—marrying such a devoted wife. Your crutch when you were lame, your stepping stone in business."

Ethan didn't turn. "Isabella suits you perfectly."

Hearing that name, Adrian cursed inwardly but forced a grin. "Women like her are for fun. For marriage, I'd want someone like Sophia—"

"She's been arrested." Ethan cut him off.

A flicker of regret crossed Adrian's eyes before indifference settled in.

After his tests, Adrian entered his armored car.

Bodyguards surrounded the vehicle; weapons hidden beneath.

No one feared death more than he did.

"To Leonard's estate," he ordered.

En route, an unknown landline number flashed on his screen.

Isabella's tearful voice crackled through: "Adrian...they arrested me—"

He snorted. "Congratulations. Free room and board."

"After all we—"

"Don't." His voice turned glacial. "You vanished the moment Ethan had his accident."

"Get me out!" she begged. "I'll do anything!"

"I don't meddle in lost causes."

"You heartless—"

He hung up—only for Victor's enraged call to come through.

Twenty-five minutes later, the CEO's office door slammed open.

Files flew toward Adrian's head. He dodged effortlessly.

"Isabella's pregnant!" Victor roared, slamming both palms on his desk. "With your child!"

Adrian's pupils constricted. "Impossible—"

"Ask her yourself!" Victor bellowed. "Clean this up!"

In the detention center's visitation room, cameras off, guards absent, Isabella trembled before Adrian.

"Where's Victor?"

"He sent me." Adrian closed the distance. "How far along?"

"O-over a month." She cradled her abdomen. "Confirmed by tests."

His gaze turned arctic as it dropped to her stomach.

"The baby lives." His lips curled into a smile. "You die."

Isabella's blood drained away as if plunged into an icy abyss.