Chapter 406

Beneath Sophia Lowell's gentle facade lay an unyielding soul.

Her graceful demeanor was merely a protective wall. Only those who truly knew her heart could glimpse her real self.

Vivian Ashcroft was that rare exception.

Years ago, Vivian had clung to Sophia like stubborn gum, pestering her relentlessly.

Exasperated, Sophia finally relented and accepted her friendship. That decision forged a bond that would last a lifetime.

Ethan Roscente was the indelible mark on Sophia's heart.

Her first love's flutter had once made her naively believe they'd grow old together. Reality delivered the cruelest blow.

Had they not reunited two years ago, perhaps fate wouldn't feel so mocking.

Vivian still remembered that night vividly.

Sophia had just arrived in New York, her voice bubbling with excitement over the phone. She'd met the one she'd longed for.

That joy eclipsed even her elation at getting into her dream university.

In that moment, Vivian understood—this man had taken root too deeply in Sophia's heart.

If she'd known her ill-conceived advice that night would cause such agony now, Vivian would've sewn her own lips shut.

"Mr. Roscente."

Zachary Evans approached as Ethan descended the stairs.

"The meeting's postponed thirty minutes. We can still make the high-speed train."

Ethan gave a slight nod and entered the car.

When Zachary moved to report on Isabella Valentine, Ethan raised a hand to stop him.

The man's slender fingers tapped his knee. "Pull Sophia Lowell's complete hospital records from two months ago."

"Is Ms. Lowell unwell?"

"Something feels off." Ethan narrowed his eyes. He recalled acute gastritis, yet Vivian mentioned high fever. The discrepancy set off alarms.

Today's casual probing had yielded unexpected results. Sophia's resistance to medication had always puzzled him—now he'd found his lead.

"Also check her medication allergy history."

"Understood." Zachary noted it down before briefing on Isabella.

Ethan's lips curled coldly. "Now she's scared? She hasn't begun to suffer."

"Ms. Valentine will certainly contact you upon returning to New York."

"Let her wait." Ethan leaned back into the leather seat, a glint flashing in his eyes.

Vivian finished clearing the table and tidied the kitchen.

Finding Sophia slumped on the couch, she anxiously touched her friend's abdomen. "Sure you don't need the hospital? Between the injury and fever, could the baby—"

"It's fine." Sophia gently cradled her stomach. "I didn't take any meds."

"You endured it raw?" Vivian frowned at the bandages wrapping Sophia's arm.

Sophia nodded. "For the baby, I had to."

"God knows what you went through." Vivian's voice trembled.