Vincent Laurent's gentle voice came through the phone as he provided the hospital name.

Sophia ended the call and rose on her toes to press a light kiss to Ethan Sullivan's jaw. "My mother gave birth. I need to go see her at the hospital."

Ethan caught her wrist. "I'll come with you."

"You should rest."

The corner of his lips lifted. "The medication has a sedative effect. I'll skip tonight's dose."

Sophia frowned. "Will that interfere with your treatment?"

"It's fine."

What he didn't say aloud was that without her presence, anxiety would cling to him like a shadow. For a grown man, such words were too embarrassing to voice.

They dressed quickly. Bodyguards retrieved tonics from storage before driving them to the hospital.

Sophia tapped her fingers against the car window, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Ethan squeezed her palm. "This happy?"

"Of course." Her gaze shone like stars. "I forgot to ask if it's a brother or sister."

"What do you hope for?"

"Whatever child my mother has, I'll love them."

In the hospital room, Evelyn Grandelle lay weakly, her forehead damp with sweat, face covered in red rashes.

Sophia's heart clenched. "What happened to Mom's face?"

Vincent tenderly brushed his wife's hair aside. "They appeared during labor. The doctor said they'll fade soon."

"Natural birth?"

"Yes." Vincent's eyes brimmed with tenderness. "Carrying to eight months was already a challenge. Fortunately, the delivery was quick—only four or five hours. The doctor said multiparous mothers often experience this."

The usually refined man now chattered like an excited youth.

Sophia glanced around. "Where's the baby?"

"Premature. In the incubator."

Her fingers curled. "Will she be alright?"

"Don't worry. Eight months is fully developed." Vincent's eyes gleamed. "It's a little princess."

"A sister..." Sophia's heart trembled.

A knock sounded at the door.

Natalie Sullivan burst in with an armful of roses, her voice bright as wind chimes. "Mother-in-law, you're amazing! You're absolutely my idol!"

The room instantly brightened.

Evelyn smiled weakly. "You came so late."

"How could I wait for news like this?" Natalie rushed over to envelop her in a bear hug. "I had to give my favorite mother-in-law a loving squeeze!"

Evelyn's eyes grew moist. If Sophia had grown up by her side, would she have been this lively too?

"Where's my sister?" Natalie craned her neck. "Is my little sister-in-law shy?"

The room erupted in laughter.

Vincent led them to see the baby. After sanitizing and changing gowns, they peered through the incubator at a tiny form—red skin, wrinkled face, sparse hair, resembling an unripe little monkey.

Sophia's heart melted. "I want to hold her so badly."

"Once she's out of the incubator." Vincent's gaze overflowed with paternal warmth.

When visiting hours ended, the group exited.

Vincent turned to Sophia. "You'll always be our most beloved child."

Sophia smiled. "I have Ethan. I won't compete for affection with my sister."

Alexander Valentine chuckled. "And I have Natalie."

Natalie thumped her chest. "I'll make sure Alexander becomes the happiest man alive! Don't worry, Father and Mother-in-law—none of us are petty people."

Vincent nodded in relief. With children so understanding, what more could he ask for?

During the return trip, Sophia's smile never faded.

Ethan glanced at her. "You like children that much?"

She blinked. "I like you more."

These were his own words to her once, now returned verbatim.

Late that night, while Ethan showered, Sophia secretly searched: Genetic probability of bipolar disorder?

The varied answers sank her heart to the pit of her stomach.

The bathroom door opened as Ethan emerged drying his hair. "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing." She hastily hid her phone.

Ethan directly lifted the pillow, unlocking the screen. Seeing the search history, his eyes darkened before he silently lay down.

Sophia scooted over to coax him. "I was just casually checking..."

In the darkness, Ethan suddenly spoke. "I have a backup plan."

"What?"

"I froze sperm during IVF—stored before my episode. It should be viable."

Sophia exhaled in relief. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"I was thinking..." His voice turned hoarse, "If my condition doesn't improve within three years, we should separate. Someone as wonderful as you shouldn't be dragged down by me."

Tears instantly welled in Sophia's eyes. "You promised we'd be buried together..."

Ethan smiled bitterly. Since falling ill, he always envisioned the worst outcomes.

That weekend, Victor Sullivan called inviting them to a family dinner.

Ethan showed little interest. "Not going."

"Your mother will be there." Victor's tone held anticipation. "It'll be lively."

Recognizing the ulterior motive, Ethan reluctantly agreed.

By evening, Victor waited eagerly at the entrance, practically straining his eyes.

The thought of seeing Audrey again made his heart pound like thunder. The lingering warmth from their last handhold still haunted his dreams.

Mid-reverie, an unfamiliar car pulled up.

Isabella Valentine stepped out carrying an infant, her face haggard. "Father, your grandson has come to see you."

Victor's expression darkened instantly. "Who are you calling 'Father'?"

"The child is innocent." Isabella smirked coldly. "He carries the Sullivan blood—it's your call."

"Don't even think about it!" Victor snapped. "I said long ago this child can't bear the Sullivan name!"

Engine sounds approached in the distance—Audrey and the others had arrived.

Seeing Isabella, everyone's faces fell.

Sophia quietly observed Victor. This was a matter of principle—Isabella was the murderer of her unborn child.

Without hesitation, Victor waved his hand. "Someone, escort Miss Valentine to the Laurent residence!"