Ethan pushed open the door.

The bodyguard at the entrance immediately straightened. "Mr. Sullivan."

He gave a slight nod. "Stay alert."

"Yes, sir."

At the end of the hallway, Ethan knocked on Victor's door.

The door opened.

Victor stood there in a robe, looking surprised. "You're still awake at this hour?"

Ethan walked straight in.

He locked the door behind him and stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his voice low. "Something's wrong with me."

Victor's heart clenched. "What's the matter?"

"I can't sleep. My emotions are out of control. I want to smash things." Ethan turned, his eyes bloodshot. "It started on the boat. I wanted to hurt myself. To jump overboard."

Victor's hands trembled. "It's been over twenty years without an episode. Why now—"

"I thought I was cured."

Victor fumbled for his phone. "Don't worry. I'll contact your old doctor immediately."

"Get me some medication first." Ethan rubbed his temples. "Sophia mustn't know."

"Of course. I'll arrange it right away." Victor's voice shook. "Medical treatment is much better now than before. You'll recover."

He forced composure, but his eyes reddened.

Ethan actually comforted him. "Van Gogh and Hemingway had this too."

Victor suddenly pulled him into an embrace.

"Damn those kidnappers!" His voice choked. "You were just a child—"

Ethan gently pushed him away. "It's not that serious."

"Let me walk you back."

"No need."

Victor insisted on following him to the door.

The bodyguard quickly opened it.

As the door closed, Ethan saw his father still standing there, eyes filled with concern.

"Go back," he said softly. "I'm fine."

Returning to his room, Sophia was sound asleep.

Her faint fragrance made Ethan's breath catch.

He picked up a blanket and headed to the living room.

Lying on the sofa, he closed his eyes and recited pi from memory.

Numbers danced wildly in his mind.

When he reached the thousandth digit, the medication finally arrived.

Only after taking it did he manage to fall asleep.

Morning.

The dining table was laden with an exquisite breakfast.

Victor eagerly cut steak for Sophia. "Try this, daughter-in-law."

She shifted uncomfortably. "Please, help yourself."

"Don't stand on ceremony." He handed her a napkin. "Here."

Vincent narrowed his eyes.

Sophia discreetly nudged Ethan.

"Dad." Ethan spoke up. "That's enough."

Victor finally sat down, forcing a laugh. "I'm just so happy."

Sophia studied him suspiciously. "Is something going on?"

"No, nothing." He waved his hands. "I just think of you as my own daughter."

Even he didn't believe his own lie.

After breakfast, Sophia returned to nap.

Ethan entered his father's room. "You're being too obvious."

"I'm worried..." Victor loosened his tie. "If she finds out about your condition—"

"She won't leave me."

Victor sighed. "Last time you were in a wheelchair. This is different."

Ethan was silent for a long moment.

"If it worsens," he said hoarsely, "I'll let her go."

"You will recover!" Victor said urgently. "I still want to hold my grandchild—"

He abruptly stopped.

"Never mind that. Just be happy."

That evening, the private jet departed for home.

Ethan went alone to the hospital.

The elderly doctor examined him thoroughly before prescribing medication.

"Take it regularly. Come back for checkups."

Leaving the hospital, Ethan went directly to the suburban villa.

He requested marital leave from the company.

Only Victor knew it was medical leave.

When Adrian heard, he immediately approached Victor. "Let me take over Ethan's work."

Victor didn't look up. "I'll have Shane do it."

"What does he know?"

"I'll train him myself." Victor clenched his fists. "Ethan will be back soon."

As if convincing himself: "He will come back."