Dusk settled over the estate.

The horizon blazed with fiery hues, painting the sky in brilliant shades of tangerine. A warm summer breeze drifted through the courtyard, carrying the first whispers of early summer.

Sophia Laurent sat in the gazebo, her delicate fingers peeling open a mangosteen. The translucent flesh glistened temptingly in the fading sunlight.

"Try this," she murmured, offering a piece to Ethan Sullivan.

He leaned down to accept it, his lips brushing against her fingertips. The fleeting contact made Sophia's pulse skip—her skin tingled as if electrified.

Click-clack.

The sharp staccato of heels approached.

Audrey Sullivan strode into the garden, flanked by two bodyguards, her arms laden with shopping bags. "Darling, I brought you some tonics."

Sophia rose quickly. "Mother, you didn't have to come yourself."

Audrey's gaze shifted to Ethan. "How are you feeling?"

"Manageable," he replied evenly. "The doctor says I can reduce the medication soon."

Her brow furrowed. "Too many pills will harm you."

"I'm used to it."

"You stubborn boy..." Audrey sighed before turning to Sophia. "Thank you for taking such good care of him."

Sophia laced her fingers with Ethan's, her thumb tracing gentle circles over his knuckles. "He's been very cooperative."

A softness warmed Audrey's eyes. "Seeing you two like this... it warms my heart."

A rustling sound came from behind the ginkgo tree.

A tall figure was attempting—and failing—to hide behind the trunk, his broad frame comically ill-suited for stealth.

"Come out," Audrey said without turning.

Victor Sullivan stepped forward sheepishly, clutching gift boxes. "I... just wanted to check on Ethan."

Audrey scoffed. "Then why skulk around?"

"I didn't want to upset you." He hung his head like a chastened child.

Slap!

Victor suddenly struck his own face. "This is all my fault—I failed to protect him years ago."

Audrey turned away. "What good does regret do now?"

Slap! Another sharp crack echoed.

"Dad, stop." Ethan's voice cut through.

Victor's eyes reddened. "Son, please get better soon. The company needs you... and so do I."

Ethan stood. "I'm tired. I'll retire for the evening."

"Rest well," Audrey and Victor said simultaneously.

They exchanged a glance, then immediately looked away.

Once the couple had left, Audrey made to depart. Victor caught her shoulder. "Stay awhile."

"Let go."

Instead of releasing her, he draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. "The evening chill is setting in."

Audrey shook it off. "It's sweltering."

Undeterred, Victor replaced it. "You've lost weight. You should take better care of yourself."

"What business is it of yours?"

"My heart aches for you." He inched closer, his pulse hammering, palms damp. Tentatively, he lifted an arm to encircle her shoulders.

Just as his fingertips grazed her—

"What are you doing?" Audrey whirled on him.

Victor flinched, then blurted, "Ethan wants us to reconcile."

"Don't use our son as an excuse."

"I mean it." Suddenly, Victor dropped to one knee and produced a velvet jewelry box.

The lid sprang open, revealing a diamond that blazed like captured sunlight.

Audrey froze.

"I owe you a proper proposal," Victor said hoarsely, gazing up at her. "Is it too late to make things right?"

The evening breeze carried cherry blossom petals that dusted Audrey's shoulders like a delicate pink shawl.