The old Sophia Reed would never have acted like this. The new Sophia, however, seemed every bit the polite, graceful woman she had once pretended to be—the perfect wife.

Nathan Torres tightened his grip on the phone in his hand, his tone cool and distant. “No need.”

Sophia’s smile faltered slightly. She was about to politely offer him a seat when he suddenly added, in a low voice, “Thanks.”

The next second, he reached out to take the glass of water from her hand. His fingers brushed hers—accidentally, but unmistakably.

His hand froze for a moment before he snatched the glass and drank deeply.

Sophia looked up at him in surprise.

“I suddenly felt thirsty,” Nathan said, his eyes sliding away, his tone flat. “I’ll be leaving now.”

She watched his back as he walked away, dazed. There was something about him—his aura was dark, self-contained, and cold.

He was such a strange man, she thought. His moods shifted like the tide—now warm, now distant.

Mr. Reed chuckled gently, his words full of implication. “That young man isn’t bad, is he?”

Sophia lowered her gaze, her voice soft. “I’m not thinking about things like that anymore.”

Once you’ve been wrecked by love, how can you ever believe in it again?

Seeing her sadness, Ethan Reed quickly said, “Since our little sister’s back, we should throw a welcome dinner. Invite everyone from the business and political circles—give her a proper celebration.”

Mr. Reed nodded approvingly. “Good idea. But let’s wait until Sophia’s settled in first. Ask her what she wants. Daniel’s busy with his research, and Liam’s still on set. They won’t make it back right away.”

The Reeds could barely contain their excitement at having Sophia home again, but they kept it beneath the surface, treating her with comforting normalcy.

It was that natural warmth that allowed her to finally relax.

Outside, Nathan lingered at the door for a long moment, watching the family through the open window. His expression softened.

The image of Sophia in that living room lingered in his mind, stirring something unfamiliar.

A long-buried memory resurfaced—the face of a much younger girl, bright and fiery.

Back then, she hadn’t been gentle or quiet at all. She was bold, stubborn, quick to anger.

Whenever her parents scolded or punished her, she’d argue right back, her chin lifted defiantly.

It was one autumn years ago. Nathan’s parents had taken him to a small town outside New York to visit a hot spring resort while surveying a new development project.

That day, he tasted the sweetest fruit he’d ever had—given to him by a little girl in a pink sweater.

They’d quickly become friends. When he asked her name, she’d told him it was Sophia Reed.

He never knew that wasn’t her real name—that even her parents didn’t know she used it. Afterward, no matter how hard he searched, he couldn’t find her again.

By the time he finally heard news of her, she was already married. And she hadn’t recognized him—not even as an acquaintance.

The realization had left him bitter for years. He’d spent all this time regretting not finding her sooner, not telling her who he was—leaving Alexander Kane the chance to take her first.

Tonight, he had come back to the Reed Estate. He didn’t want to regret it for the rest of his life.

Later that night, a drowsy Sophia murmured, “Did we know each other before? You seem…familiar to me.”

Her smile pulled him straight back into those sunlit afternoons of their youth—and reminded him of how powerless he’d been back then.

Nathan opened his mouth but said nothing.

Finding the silence dull, Sophia finished the last sip of her water and stood. “If you’re not going to talk, I’m going to bed. Oh—my dad asked you to see him in the study. He said he’s got something for you.”

Watching her leave, Nathan cursed his own cowardice. Just as he turned toward the study, a startled cry broke out—he looked up just in time to see Sophia miss a step and tumble down the stairs.

For a heart-stopping moment, everything froze. Then Nathan lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground.

Even as he held her safely in his arms, the suffocating fear refused to fade.

Before Sophia could even thank him, Mr. Reed emerged from the study, smiling at the sight of the two of them tangled together.

“What are you two up to now?” he said with a laugh. “I heard quite the commotion from my study.”

“It’s wonderful that you’ve come home, Sophia—and your birthday’s just around the corner. We’re planning a gala for you. How does that sound?”

Mr. Reed had waited years for this moment. From the day Sophia married Alexander Kane, he’d known it was a mistake. Now that she’d finally returned, how could he not celebrate?

Sophia’s smile dimmed.

Ethan immediately knelt beside her, saying softly, “Don’t worry. We’ve got nothing to do with him anymore. The gala won’t include him. Just let us spoil you this time.”

Holding her brother’s hand, Sophia felt a warmth she hadn’t known for years. She nodded.

Half a month later, Vanessa Cole had recovered from her injury—but there was still no news of Sophia.

One afternoon, Alexander sat in his office, staring blankly into space when his assistant approached.

“Sir, the Reed family is hosting a gala—but they didn’t send us an invitation.”

The Kanes and Reeds had business ties; not being invited was a direct slap in the face.

But looking at Alexander’s haggard expression, the assistant sighed quietly. “I’ll leave you to rest, sir.”

Alexander turned his gaze toward the city skyline. It had been more than a month since the day Sophia handed him the divorce papers and walked away.

During that same time, Sophia had been surrounded by her family’s affection.

When the night of the gala arrived, she looked ethereal—like a goddess descended from the stars. Her gown shimmered with diamonds, and around her neck gleamed a sapphire necklace said to have cost Ethan two hundred million dollars at auction.

Watching his sister, Ethan’s chest filled with pride.

“You look incredible,” he said warmly. “You stayed with Alexander all those years, and that idiot still chased after some cheap thrill. At least now you’ve kicked him out of your life.”

Their sibling bond was the envy of everyone in the room.

Just as they raised their glasses, Mr. Reed’s voice echoed from the stage.

“Thank you all for coming to my daughter’s birthday gala. Tonight, I have something special to announce. I’m transferring sixty percent of our family company’s shares to my daughter as her birthday gift.”

The ballroom erupted in astonishment. But Mr. Reed wasn’t done.

“And one more thing—our company has invested twenty million in Nathan Torres’s new development project. My daughter will be co-managing it with him.”

Applause thundered through the hall. Mr. Reed smiled, satisfied.

“Dad, I just came home, and you’re giving me so much? Aren’t you worried my brothers will think you’re playing favorites? And why am I joining that project at all?”

Sophia had never seen herself as a businesswoman, and her father’s sudden announcement felt rash.

Ethan ruffled her hair affectionately. “We’d give you everything if we could. None of us would ever be jealous.”

Seeing his children so close warmed Mr. Reed’s heart. He was about to explain the project when Nathan arrived.

Sophia hurried over to pull him in, completely unaware that their hands brushing together had turned her father’s ears red—something he noticed immediately.

“Nathan, tell my dad the truth. I’m hopeless at this kind of work. If I get involved, I’ll only drag you down.”

Nathan’s heart thudded in his chest, but he kept his tone cool. “If Mr. Reed has made the decision, then even if you slow me down, I’ll accept it.”

Sophia nearly groaned in frustration, but Mr. Reed clapped his hands with a laugh.

“See? He doesn’t mind. Work closely with him and learn what you can. I’ve entrusted you with important shares, and you’ll take on more responsibilities soon.”

Just a few words—and Sophia’s eyes welled with tears. She had hoped to live quietly, but her father was pushing her into the business world.

While she was still reeling, Mr. Reed shot Nathan a meaningful look. Whether his daughter’s future would belong to him—or to Alexander—was now up to the younger man.

Then Mr. Reed said, “There are still guests outside. You two should go greet them with your brother.”

Out in the ballroom, Sophia sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. “Maybe Dad thinks I’ve been too lazy lately, so he’s burying me in work.”

Ethan burst out laughing. “Ha! Maybe so. But if Dad’s letting you handle this project, there’s a reason. Don’t stress too much—you’ll do fine.”

“Daniel, it’s barely morning—why are you already fussing with your plants again?”

Yawning and rubbing her sleepy eyes, Sophia stared at her eldest brother, amazed by his energy. Not only had he finished his morning run, but he was also pruning the flowers.

Daniel immediately set down his watering can and pulled out a chair for her.

“Take the day off,” he said. “Oh, and Dad mentioned a contract yesterday. You’re meeting a client about it today.”

Work again. Even with the luxurious breakfast before her, Sophia lost her appetite.

After breakfast, her new personal assistant arrived.

“This is your assistant,” Daniel said. “You can ask him about anything work-related. He’ll take good care of you.”

The young man adjusted his glasses and extended a polite hand.

“Good morning, Ms. Reed. I’ll be managing your business collaborations from now on. Here’s your schedule for today, and this is the contract you’ll need to review in advance.”

Seeing the thick stack of papers, Sophia nearly cried.

A few hours later, she arrived at the meeting location.

“Has he left yet? Call Nathan Torres and tell him I’m almost at the restaurant,” she said.

Back at the Reed Estate, Mr. Reed dropped his teacup upon hearing that Sophia had left. “Hurry and call Ethan—tell him to remind Nathan she’s on her way!”

Nathan was already drowning in work, but when the call came, his tone remained calm. “Got it. I’m on my way. Meet me at the restaurant.”

His assistant glanced over. “Strange that Mr. Reed chose a restaurant for a business meeting. That’s not like him.”

Nathan shot him a sharp look, and the assistant quickly turned forward again, silent.

When Nathan arrived, he immediately understood.

Sophia was standing there awkwardly, clutching the contract like a shield.

He stepped closer and, with one finger, lowered the papers from her face.

“Why are you hiding? Weren’t you supposed to be meeting your father’s business partner today? What are you doing here?”

Sophia glanced around, confused. “Dad said the client was an older gentleman. I didn’t expect it to be you.”

But they were already here, and the deal was crucial to both families.

She put on a professional smile. “Doesn’t matter who it is—let’s just talk about the contract.”

Before they could enter the restaurant, however, an unwelcome voice interrupted.

“Well, if it isn’t my dear sister. Haven’t seen you since your little disappearance. I thought you’d starved to death by now.”

Sophia froze. That sharp, mocking tone could belong to no one but Clara Kane.

And beside her stood Alexander Kane, his arm around Vanessa Cole.

Sophia’s irritation spiked. Before she could reply, Vanessa sneered, “So that’s why you divorced so quickly. You’d already found yourself a new man.”

Alexander’s eyes flicked to Nathan. The man’s presence was commanding—but Alexander was convinced his own wealth far outmatched him.

He pulled out a black card, tossing it at Nathan’s feet with a smirk.

“The dinner here isn’t cheap. If your boytoy wants to impress you, he can earn it. Have him kneel down and kiss my shoes, and this card’s his.”

Sophia and Nathan exchanged a glance—utterly unimpressed.

Vanessa’s voice turned shrill. “What’s taking so long? Kneel already!”

Nathan stepped forward. They thought he’d submit, and anticipation twisted their faces into grotesque grins.

But instead, Nathan’s foot shot out, catching Alexander squarely in the chest.

At the same time, Sophia slipped behind Vanessa and pressed a pressure point at the base of her neck.

“Ah! Sophia—what did you do? I can’t see! Alexander, help me, I can’t see anything!”

Alexander, winded and speechless from the kick, could only gasp in pain.

Sophia’s voice turned icy. “You two came here to humiliate us, but you’re not even good at that. Keep running your mouths, and next time I’ll make sure you can’t speak at all.”

She bent down, picked up the contract from the floor, and nodded toward the restaurant. “Let’s go, Nathan. We’ve got business to discuss.”