Ethan Sullivan watched as Sophia Sullivan took small sips of water.
"Would you like anything to eat?" he asked softly.
Sophia shook her head. "No appetite."
She cradled the warm cup, fingertips absorbing its heat.
The kindness made her uneasy.
In the past, she had endured injuries alone.
Liam Winston would mock her even when she had a fever.
Her throat tightened. "I'm feeling much better."
She forced a smile. "Just a bit weak from sleeping too long."
Suddenly, she looked up.
"When did we return?"
"Two days ago," Ethan replied calmly. "You slept for two days."
He omitted the part about his constant vigil.
"The kitchen has porridge ready whenever you want it."
Sophia lowered her gaze. "I'm not picky."
Embarrassment flickered through her.
Sleeping for two days in an unfamiliar place was unlike her.
Her usual vigilance had faltered.
Perhaps the fever was to blame.
She frowned. "Was the mafia situation resolved?"
"Julian Roscente handled it," Ethan said, his eyes cooling.
He left out the bloody interrogation details.
"The police closed the case as internal conflict."
Sophia nodded in understanding.
The Sullivan family must have pulled strings.
Some things didn't need to be said aloud.
She gave Ethan a grateful smile.
"Thank you for taking care of me. The fever wasn't really—"
"Health is never trivial," Ethan interrupted.
His gaze was too intense.
Sophia noticed the shadows under his eyes.
He had lost weight.
Ethan adjusted the soft pillow behind her.
"I should be the one thanking you."
His voice was steadying.
Sophia turned her head, avoiding his eyes.
Ethan suddenly suggested, "Stay here to recover."
His tone was composed, but his fingers tensed slightly.
"The doctor is on call. You'll heal faster."
The image of her empty refrigerator crossed his mind.
His brow furrowed.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
Sophia instinctively refused.
Ethan shook his head. "Emma needs you."
The reason was impossible to refuse.
"She only calms down when you're around."
Sophia finally nodded. "Alright."
Her thoughts churned.
This was an opportunity to investigate the Sullivans.
After Grandma Sullivan's disappearance, she must have been moved.
Sophia needed more clues.