Audrey Sullivan's entire body stiffened in shock at Victor Sullivan's gesture.

The diamond ring glinted painfully bright under the sunlight, making her eyes ache.

She couldn't help thinking: This old man is mimicking young people's romantic antics at his age.

Truly an old dog trying to learn new tricks.

Noticing the silhouette behind the second-floor curtains from the corner of her eye, Audrey understood instantly.

She snatched the ring and slid it onto her ring finger with practiced ease.

To ensure the person upstairs got a clear view, she deliberately brushed her hair back, letting the ring linger conspicuously for several seconds.

Victor nearly jumped out of his skin with excitement.

He sprang to his feet, eyes blazing. "Audrey, you forgive me?"

She lowered her voice. "This is just an act. Don't flatter yourself."

The light in his eyes dimmed instantly. "Right, of course. I won't overthink it."

That she'd given him this much face already filled him with gratitude.

Brushing dust off his trousers, he ventured, "Free for dinner? I booked a French restaurant."

Audrey scoffed. "Know when to quit. Don't push your luck."

Victor forced a smile. "Whatever you say."

She shook her head inwardly.

The old fox's shamelessness was truly bulletproof.

As she grabbed her purse to leave, Victor intercepted it with lightning reflexes. "Let me handle the heavy lifting."

Audrey mused that if this old coot went into pyramid schemes, he'd be a top-tier motivational speaker.

The setting sun cast long shadows as the evening breeze turned chilly.

Audrey shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it back. "Put this on. Don't catch a cold and delay work."

Victor caught it, grinning ear to ear. "You care about me?"

"I just don't want you getting sick and burdening Ethan."

"I'll take it as concern."

Audrey ignored him, striding ahead with purpose.

Victor trailed obediently behind.

As they walked, his hand inched surreptitiously toward hers.

After several failed attempts, he simply grabbed it outright.

Audrey was about to shake him off when he murmured, "Ethan's watching."

She had no choice but to endure it.

Holding her hand, Victor felt his heart might burst with joy.

This thrilled him more than closing a billion-dollar deal.

His first half of life spent chasing wealth had turned him into a machine.

Only now was he tasting love's sweetness.

Grinning like a fool with Audrey's purse slung over his shoulder, he flashed a victory sign behind his back.

At the second-floor window, Ethan Sullivan's lips twitched.

He should have been happy, yet an inexplicable melancholy settled over him.

As a child, he'd prayed for his parents' reconciliation. Now that it had happened, it felt like too little, too late.

Sophia Laurent embraced him from behind. "Happy?"

"Sort of."

Their thin summer clothing did little to mask the press of her soft curves against him.

Ethan's breath hitched as heat pooled low in his abdomen.

He spun abruptly, pinning her to the sofa.

His kiss was urgent, almost feral—a starving wolf claiming its prey.

Sophia bore the roughness without complaint, recognizing the signs of his condition.

A sharp rip sounded as her blouse tore.

She froze.

Even during their divorce, he'd never been this rough.

Gently stroking his back, she whispered, "Easy. I'm right here."

Ethan jolted back to awareness. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Don't hold back."

His voice turned gravelly. "I'll be gentle."

Sophia smiled, caressing his face.

This time lasted longer than usual.

Afterward, Ethan buried his face in her neck, breathing heavily. "Did I hurt you?"

"I love you," she murmured.

He clung to her like a drowning man to driftwood.

Moonlight spilled across the floor like liquid silver.

After dinner, Ethan copied Buddhist sutras in the study.

Sophia entered to find him transcribing the Heart Sutra.

"Why this suddenly?"

"To purify my mind. So I won't hurt you again."

Her heart warmed. "I'm fine."

Ethan lowered his gaze. "You suffer too much because of me."

"Don't be ridiculous." She hugged his arm. "You never held my infertility against me."

He remained silent.

The moment should have felt touching, yet an invisible barrier seemed to separate them.

Sophia interlaced their fingers. "An ordinary life is good too."

"Will you ever resent me?"

"My husband is perfect." She winked. "Even if you couldn't work, that face alone makes me happy every day."

Ethan chuckled. "Such sweet talk."

"Learned from you."

Her crescent-moon eyes sparkled like sunshine.

He couldn't resist pulling her into his arms.

Thank God for her.

The phone rang abruptly.

Vincent Laurent's voice came through.

"Sophia, your mother just gave birth!"

Shock and joy collided in her chest. "Which hospital? I'm on my way!"