The second-floor hallway.

Victor Sullivan stood outside Audrey Sullivan's bedroom door, clutching a limited-edition Hermès Birkin bag and a jewelry box.

He raised his hand to knock.

"Who is it?" Audrey's cool voice came from inside.

"It's me." Victor softened his tone. "That crocodile skin bag you liked—I managed to get it for you."

"Don't need it."

"Only five were made worldwide. I flew to Paris just to secure one."

"Save it for your new fling."

Victor choked. "What new fling?"

"Then carry it yourself." Audrey's voice dripped with sarcasm. "It'll pair nicely with your camel coat."

The lock clicked.

Victor's eyes lit up.

Audrey stood in the doorway wrapped in a silk robe, water droplets still clinging to her hair. The scent of her shower gel hit him, stealing his breath.

Even past fifty, her beauty remained breathtaking.

His throat bobbed as he extended the gift. "A bag to cure all woes."

Audrey took it and immediately turned to shut the door.

Victor jammed his foot in the gap. "Aren't you going to try it?"

"Not interested."

"Then the jewelry?"

She tossed the box onto the sofa without looking. "Since when did Chairman Sullivan become a salesman?"

He shamelessly stepped inside. "Audrey, let's talk?"

"No time." She ripped open a face mask packet. "Skincare routine."

"I've started using masks too." Victor touched his cheek. "Natalie recommended them. Works wonders."

Audrey shot him a glance. "Old dog trying new tricks."

Instead of taking offense, he leaned closer. "How about... I stay tonight?"

A pillow smacked him in the face.

"Get out!"

Meanwhile, outside the Laurent estate.

Bodyguards dragged Isabella Valentine to the gates and rang the bell.

The butler saw her on the monitor and refused entry.

It wasn't until midnight that Adrian Sullivan's car finally pulled up.

"Adrian!" Isabella clutched her baby and threw herself at the vehicle.

He rolled down the window, smirking. "Decided to come back?"

"Our child needs his father." Tears welled in her eyes.

Adrian glanced at the infant. "Two million. Leave the kid."

Isabella pinched the baby's thigh.

The child wailed instantly.

"See? He can't be without me." She seized the chance to beg. "Let me stay to care for him. I won't disturb you."

Adrian studied her for a long moment before suddenly laughing.

"To Egret Manor," he told the driver.

As the door closed, Isabella wiped her tears, a triumphant curve lifting her lips.

One week later, Sullivan Group headquarters.

Ethan Sullivan returned to work.

In the boardroom, he delivered his report with razor-sharp clarity, showing no trace of illness.

"Should Shane stay to assist you?" Victor asked.

"Unnecessary." Ethan closed his file. "We collaborate seamlessly."

That afternoon, in the financial channel studio.

Before the cameras, Ethan looked impeccable in his tailored suit, his eloquence effortless.

Sophia watched from backstage, mesmerized.

He seemed to glow.

"Handsome?" Ethan asked afterward.

"Radiant." Her eyes sparkled.

He chuckled. "Used to it."

On their way back, they encountered Adrian in the elevator.

"The superstar returns?" Adrian sneered. "Don't look sick to me."

Ethan adjusted his cufflinks. "Schizophrenics often pretend to be normal."

Adrian's face darkened.

By that evening, a special patient had been admitted to the downtown psychiatric ward.