Ethan Sullivan's eyes turned icy in an instant. His voice dropped low. "She's awake?"

Alexander Valentine clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. "Not just awake—chatty as ever. Doesn't seem like someone who was just in a coma."

A flicker of understanding passed through Ethan's gaze as he caught the implication.

"That worker—investigate him thoroughly," Alexander said meaningfully.

Ethan's lips curled into a cold smile. "Thanks."

He turned and strode toward the parking lot.

The car door slammed shut.

He dialed his assistant. "Run a discreet background check on that construction worker who 'accidentally' dropped the steel drum."

"Understood, Mr. Sullivan," the assistant replied without missing a beat.

Ending the call, Ethan leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. "To the office."

As the car pulled away from the hospital, Victoria Windsor's call came through. "Ethan, Isabella keeps calling your name—"

A trace of mockery flashed in his eyes. "I have urgent business."

"But—"

"Busy." He hung up without ceremony.

His phone vibrated again.

Victor Sullivan's voice boomed through the speaker. "She got hurt protecting you—"

Ethan's expression frosted over. "I kept vigil all night. Now it's your turn to play the concerned father."

He powered off the phone before his father could respond.

Returning to Moon Bay, he found Sophia Laurent waiting by the foyer, nervously twisting the hem of her blouse.

The storm clouds in Ethan's heart dissipated instantly.

He deliberately spread his arms wide. "Care to inspect me?"

Sophia's ears turned pink. "Who said I wanted to?"

Chuckling, he pulled her into an embrace. "I didn't even step into her room today."

She tilted her face up. "She's really awake?"

"Mhm." Ethan lowered his head to capture her lips. "The only person on my mind is my wife."

Sophia melted against him, her knees going weak.

This man was becoming dangerously skilled at this.

Three days later, at Sullivan Manor...

Eleanor Sullivan clung to Sophia's hand. "My precious granddaughter-in-law is finally home!"

William Sullivan chimed in, "Your grandmother barely ate while you were gone."

Sophia's eyes grew moist. "I'm sorry, Grandma."

"Nonsense!" Eleanor huffed. "It's that wretched father and son who should apologize!"

Laughter filled the dining room as Ethan entered.

Amid the cheerful atmosphere, Eleanor piled food onto Sophia's plate. "Eat more. Give me a great-grandchild soon."

Under the table, Ethan's fingers intertwined with Sophia's, his thumb tracing slow circles on her palm.

The doorbell rang.

Silence fell as the maid admitted Victor Sullivan—with Isabella Valentine trailing behind him.

Eleanor's face darkened. "Why bring an outsider here?"

Isabella shrank behind Victor, playing the fragile victim.

"Mother, she saved Ethan—" Victor began.

With trembling hands, Isabella placed food on Ethan's plate. "Thank you for taking care of me, Ethan..."

Ethan fixed her with an arctic stare. "Fully recovered?"

She pressed a hand to her forehead. "My head still hurts..."

In one fluid motion, Ethan dialed a number. "Bring him in."

Isabella's face drained of color.