As the CEO of Sullivan Group, Ethan Sullivan couldn't afford to delay the mountain of work piling up on his desk. After confirming Sophia Sullivan had fully recovered, he immediately returned to the company.
Sophia spent several days resting in bed, gradually regaining her strength. Just as she was contemplating how to infiltrate the Sullivan estate for investigation, a small head peeked through the door crack.
Sophia blinked in surprise, then smiled and beckoned. "Come here, Emma."
The little girl, who had been taken back to her room by the old butler for a nap, now looked refreshed—though still drowsy enough to have forgotten her shoes.
Sophia pulled the soft, warm child into her arms.
Emma Sullivan nestled obediently against her chest.
Gazing out at the rose garden, a shadow flickered in Sophia's eyes as she spoke in a gentle voice. "Would you like to go play in the garden, Emma?"
Emma nodded quietly.
"Then let's go." Sophia carried the child toward the rose garden in the southeast corner—a forbidden area she had long been eyeing. Now was the perfect opportunity.
The rose garden was a floral paradise, filled with rare species from around the world. The central glass greenhouse shimmered under the sunlight, its wicker swing swaying gently in the breeze. The rich fragrance clung to their clothes, even sweetening the strands of their hair.
Behind the greenhouse, obscured by swaying trees, the faint outline of a hidden room could barely be seen. It was easy to miss unless one looked carefully.
"Look, Emma, how beautiful these flowers are." Pretending to admire the blooms, Sophia slowly carried the child deeper inside. She plucked a red rose and tucked it behind Emma's ear. Just as she was about to move forward, the old butler suddenly appeared.
"Miss Sullivan, please stop here." The elderly man bowed slightly, blocking their path with respectful yet firm authority. "Ahead is the Sullivan family's forbidden area."
Though he knew Sophia held a special place in the young master's heart, this place housed the late Mrs. Sullivan's belongings. Outsiders were strictly prohibited from entering.
"The young master has set the rule—no one is allowed inside."
"My apologies." Sophia raised her brows in feigned surprise, as if only now realizing she had crossed a boundary. She offered a regretful smile. "I wasn't paying attention to where we were going. I'm truly sorry."
The old butler softened his expression. "The young master has never brought any woman back to the estate before. It's understandable you wouldn't know."
A flicker of thought passed through Sophia's eyes. That insatiable man in bed… was he truly so indifferent to women?
She turned away calmly. "Emma, how about we go back for some snacks?"
"Okay."
......
Night fell, and the Sullivan estate sank into silence. The servants had long retired, leaving only the pale glow of moonlight over the courtyard.
Sophia moved through the rose bushes with feline grace.
"Here it is." She pinpointed the hidden room's location. Her instincts screamed that the answers were within reach.
Sliding a hairpin into the lock, she twisted it gently. Two seconds later, the heavy wooden door opened without a sound.
The room was elegantly furnished, resembling a lady's private retreat. Plush velvet sofas, enamel tea sets, and oil paintings adorned the walls. A silver photo frame sat on the desk.
Sophia leaned in for a closer look. The woman in the photograph was dignified and beautiful, her gentle eyes radiating kindness.
This must be the late Mrs. Sullivan. Clearly, this was her personal sanctuary.
Sophia carefully compared the woman's features, confirming she bore no resemblance to her own mother. "Not her, then."
Her gaze suddenly caught on something on the bookshelf. As she pulled out an old book with a gilded cover, a yellowed photograph fluttered to the ground.
The group photo showed Mrs. Sullivan, the elderly Mrs. Sullivan, and—on the right—a stunning woman with an icy elegance.
Sophia's breath hitched.
"Mom..."
Her fingers trembled as they traced the woman's face in the photo. Tears blurred her vision.
So her mother had known Mrs. Sullivan. But why, in the same year, had Mrs. Sullivan passed away, the elderly Mrs. Sullivan fallen gravely ill, and her own mother vanished without a trace?
Suppressing her emotions, Sophia continued searching. Then—footsteps sounded outside the door.
Swiftly, she slipped the photo back into the book and pressed herself against the cold wall. There was nowhere to hide in this confined space.
Her fingers brushed against a slight protrusion on the wall. Acting on instinct, she pressed it.
Click.
The bookshelf split open, revealing a dark passageway behind it.
The footsteps were almost at the door. Without hesitation, Sophia slipped into the shadows.