Papers scattered across the floor with a sharp clatter.

The secretary pushed open the door with a coffee cup in hand, startled by the scene before her.

Her hands trembled as she hastily set down the cup and knelt to gather the documents.

From the corner of her eye, she caught Ethan Sullivan's expression—outwardly calm, but with turbulent emotions swirling beneath the surface.

"Your coffee, Mr. Sullivan," she said, her voice shaking.

Ethan gave the cup a cold glance without responding.

Holding her breath, the secretary tiptoed backward toward the exit.

Just as she reached the door, an unexpectedly tender voice rang out behind her: "How was your lesson today?"

She nearly stumbled in surprise.

"Our Sophia is so brilliant," he cooed, his doting tone as if speaking to a toddler.

The secretary quietly memorized the name "Sophia."

This was undoubtedly the woman who held Ethan's heart.

Outside Vincent's Porcelain...

Sophia Laurent held her phone, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Don't drink too much coffee—it's bad for your health."

"Alright." Ethan promptly poured the coffee into the trash.

"Lunch together?"

"No need, I'll grab something quick."

"Then I'll celebrate with you tonight." His voice dripped with tenderness.

After hanging up, Sophia turned to Kyle Grant, who had been standing nearby.

"Are you satisfied with the painting?"

Kyle's gaze deepened. "Anything you paint, I'll love."

Unnoticing the affection in his eyes, Sophia was about to return inside when her phone rang.

"Sophia, something's happened at your mother's place!" a neighbor's panicked voice cried.

Sophia's heart clenched. "I'm on my way!"

She urgently summoned her driver, her face pale.

Kyle stepped forward. "What's wrong? Let me drive you."

"That's unnecessary." Sophia declined politely.

Ignoring her refusal, he pressed a silver dagger into her hand. "For protection."

Before she could protest, he had already turned away.

In the car, Sophia repeatedly called her mother.

No answer.

The driver discreetly texted Ethan.

When Sophia arrived, violent arguing echoed from inside.

She pushed open the door to chaos.

A stranger had Grace Langley by the collar. "Five million—not a cent less!"

"Mom!" Sophia rushed forward.

Grace frantically shoved her back. "Why are you here? Get out!"

The man sneered. "I'm your father—Dominic Durand!"

Sophia froze.

This was the father she'd imagined countless times?

A menacing figure with greed burning in his eyes.

"Get out!" Grace struggled against Dominic.

During the scuffle, Dominic's fist smashed into Sophia's nose.

Blood gushed instantly.

BANG!

The door flew open.

Ethan charged in, his expression turning murderous at the sight of Sophia's bloodied face.

"Who did this?" His voice was glacial.

Grace pointed at Dominic. "That beast!"