Sophia felt her ribs might snap from the crushing embrace.

She gently pushed against Ethan's chest. "Loosen up. I can't breathe."

Ethan blinked as if waking from a dream and released her.

Cupping her face in his hands, he gazed at her with burning intensity, his lips curving uncontrollably.

The euphoria of reunion surged through his veins.

He longed to embrace her again but feared hurting her.

Instead, he settled for gripping her hands tightly.

The world faded to gray.

Only this miraculously recovered treasure remained in his vision.

"Let me check you." Ethan suddenly inspected her limbs with nervous urgency.

After confirming no visible injuries, he circled behind her.

His gaze snagged on her changed clothes. "Were you hurt?"

Sophia instinctively touched her aching ribs.

"No," she murmured.

Ethan exhaled heavily, enveloping her icy fingers in his palms. "Where were you these three days?"

His voice carried the weight of countless sleepless nights.

Sophia looked toward the distant horizon. "Swept to a deserted island."

A simple statement.

Yet it sent a sharp pang through Ethan's heart.

"We searched every nearby waterway—"

"An uncharted islet." Sophia interrupted. "A piece of driftwood saved me."

She paused. "And Kyle."

Ethan followed her gaze.

Fifty meters away, Kyle stood motionless.

Salt winds and scorching sun had weathered his face.

His buzzcut lost its usual sheen, lips cracked and peeling.

Yet he remained ramrod straight.

Kyle strode forward. "Returning her unharmed."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed. "I owe you again."

"Getting used to it." Kyle's mouth quirked. "Just don't find me intrusive."

The old Ethan would have bristled with jealousy.

Now, he only wanted to say thank you.

Sophia's safe return eclipsed everything else.

"How long were you following us?" Ethan asked.

"Twenty years professionally." Kyle arched a brow. "Getting spotted would be embarrassing."

For once, Ethan didn't retort. "Still recruiting for your team?"

Kyle eyed him. "Better stick to making billions, Mr. Sullivan."

They shared a rare smile.

"Sophia!"

Vincent hurried over, his usually immaculate hair disheveled.

Sophia rushed into her father's arms.

The reunion brought tears to every onlooker's eyes.

Victor cleared his throat. "Ethan hasn't slept in three days."

Sophia's heart ached as she studied her husband.

Ethan shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."

"Everyone should rest now," Victor urged.

Back at the hotel, Sophia deliberately showered alone.

The mirror reflected severe sunburns and straw-like hair.

She carefully tended to bruises and cuts.

After dinner, they lay in bed.

Sophia drifted off immediately.

Ethan remained acutely awake.

His fingertips traced her waistline, restless energy coursing through him.

He nibbled her earlobe lightly.

Sophia frowned and turned away.

Ethan abruptly sat up.

In the living room, he paced like a caged animal, skin burning.

Finding no cigarettes, he nearly smashed something in frustration.

Three sleepless nights, yet his mind raced.

Thoughts galloped like wild horses.

This wasn't normal.

Ethan sank onto the sofa, brow furrowed.

A foreboding unease spread through his chest.