Gwendolyn Valentine massaged her aching ankle, her face dark with fury.

"He saw right through us," she spat through gritted teeth. "Sending Shane Prescott was a deliberate warning to stay away from the Sullivans."

Vincent Valentine stood by the window, exhaling cigarette smoke, his expression unreadable in the haze.

"That old fox," he sneered. "Today's charade on the island was clearly meant to humiliate us. And we can't even call him out—forced to swallow the insult with a smile."

Gwendolyn winced as she removed her heels, revealing blisters on her soles.

"I told you not to rush things," she complained. "Why couldn't we wait until things cooled down? Now we've walked straight into trouble."

Vincent took a deep drag, the cigarette's glow flickering in the dark.

"Families like ours are a dime a dozen in the capital," he rasped. "But how many can match the Sullivans' status? Shane has looks, talent, and now this newfound pedigree..."

Gwendolyn nodded thoughtfully. "Funny how we used to find fault with everything about him. Now suddenly he's perfect."

"Exactly," Vincent stubbed out his cigarette. "We once thought Luna wasn't good enough for him. Now I worry he's out of her league."

At the mention of Luna, Gwendolyn sighed. "Audrey Sullivan's daughter-in-law is flawless. Our girl's always training with her unit—she doesn't know the first thing about charming a man."

Vincent narrowed his eyes. "That's why you should trust my plan."

"Save it," Gwendolyn rolled her eyes. "Your petty schemes are transparent to Victor Sullivan. Do you really think you can outmaneuver him?"

Vincent's face darkened.

"My father is Nathan Moore. Your grandfather was a war hero. Our family stands tall—why debase ourselves?"

"Foolish woman!" Vincent scoffed.

Gwendolyn stood abruptly. "She's my only daughter. If you dare make things difficult for her—"

Before she could finish, Vincent stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Meanwhile, on the island...

Victor Sullivan was laying out bedding on the floor beside Audrey's bed.

Despite the suite's sofa, he stubbornly chose the floor—his son's secret tactic for winning back his wife.

"Audrey..." he ventured cautiously.

Audrey snapped off the bedside lamp. "Spit it out."

"After twenty years..." Victor's voice held emotion, "this is only the second time we've shared a room."

Audrey snorted. "Expecting praise?"

"I just feel..." He turned onto his side, "incredibly happy right now."

"You're insane," she rolled her eyes. "Go see a psychiatrist."

"You're my cure," Victor murmured. "One smile from you could light up my whole month."

Silence filled the room.

After a long pause, Audrey suddenly spoke. "You don't have to do this. With your wealth and looks, you could easily find someone younger after divorce."

Victor's heart clenched.

"My chest hurts..." He clutched at it. "I need a checkup."

"Faking again!" Audrey laughed in frustration. "Always changing the subject when things get real."

"I won't divorce," Victor pulled the covers over his head. "Not until I'm dead."

Under the blanket, the titan of industry had tears in his eyes. He longed to say he wanted to share a grave with her—but feared even losing his spot on the floor.

A week later, at the traditional clinic...

Sophia Laurent was being examined by Elder Sun, a white-haired descendant of legendary healers specializing in fertility.

As she collected her herbs, she nearly collided with Vincent Laurent.

"Dad?" Sophia blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Vincent's face glowed with joy. "Your mother's pregnant. I came for some prenatal herbs."

"Really?" Sophia's eyes widened with delight.

"A heaven-sent gift," Vincent said tenderly. "We're calling the baby 'Miracle.'"

Tears welled up as Sophia immediately dragged Ethan Sullivan to buy supplements before rushing to the Laurent residence.

In the living room, Evelyn Grandelle laughed with Audrey. Once frail, she now glowed, showing no signs of her age.

"Mom!" Sophia threw herself forward, gazing curiously at her mother's still-flat stomach.

Here grew her sibling—a miracle of shared blood that warmed her heart.

Audrey checked her watch and stood to leave. In the courtyard, she was intercepted by Victor, his face blue from cold.

"Audrey, dinner?"

"Persistent ghost!" Audrey turned on her heel.

Undeterred, Victor followed. As they tussled, a black car pulled up.

Vincent Laurent stepped out just as Victor draped his coat over Audrey's shoulders.

"Darling!" Victor called loudly, throwing an arm around Audrey and shooting Vincent a challenging look. "We're off to dinner."

Audrey shuddered at the saccharine endearment but couldn't shake free from the older man's grip.

Vincent stood frozen, watching their retreating figures, his eyes dimming with sorrow.