Sophia stood in the hospital corridor, her fingertips trembling.

Though it was warm spring, she felt chilled to the bone.

Her heart clenched as if gripped by an invisible hand, the pain stealing her breath.

She had watched Ethan carry Isabella into his car with her own eyes.

The man who'd sworn to uphold moral integrity now stood guard outside the examination room.

"Madam?" The driver handed her a phone. "You dropped this."

Sophia took it mechanically.

"Miss Valentine seems injured," the driver said cautiously. "She was unconscious and looked pale."

Only then did Sophia snap back to reality.

She'd been so focused on Ethan that she hadn't noticed Isabella's condition.

"Find out which hospital they went to," she said tightly.

Thirty minutes later, Sophia stood outside the CT room.

Ethan turned and frowned when he saw her. "Why are you here?"

"We had lunch plans," she said softly.

His expression softened slightly. "Isabella was hit by falling debris at the construction site. I had to handle it."

"Is it serious?"

"She's unconscious. We're waiting for results."

Before Sophia could respond, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Victor Sullivan and Theodore Valentine stormed toward them.

Two pairs of sharp eyes simultaneously pierced Sophia.

"Is this what you call taking care of her?" Victor demanded harshly.

Theodore sneered. "She risked her life to save you, and this is your attitude?"

Ethan shielded Sophia behind him. "I'll cover all medical expenses. But I request someone else handle project coordination."

"Replace her?" Theodore narrowed his eyes. "She nearly died for you!"

Victor suddenly turned to Sophia. "Ethan agreed to look after Isabella on the condition I wouldn't trouble you. Now he's broken his word."

Sophia clenched her fists.

So Ethan had made this deal behind her back.

"Father!" Ethan's voice turned icy. "Enough."

"You're the one who should stop," Victor stepped forward. "If anything happens to Isabella—"

The examination room door burst open.

A nurse rushed out pushing a gurney. "The patient has intracranial bleeding! Emergency surgery required!"

Theodore's face darkened as he grabbed Ethan's collar. "If anything happens to my daughter, your family will pay!"

Watching the chaos unfold, Sophia suddenly laughed.

She gently took Ethan's hand. "Let's go home."

Victor barked, "Stay! No one leaves until Isabella's out of danger!"