Liam Winston and Chloe Evans stood frozen in place.
They had never heard the elder Mr. Winston mention this jade before.
"The empire I built isn't yours to meddle with!"
The old man let out a cold laugh.
"You've drained my assets and ruined the Winston Group. What happens to you from now on is none of my concern."
He picked up the item from the brocade box, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"But these personal debts—I'm leaving them to Sophia."
His voice was firm and resolute. "She saved my life, yet you slandered her. Seems my life means nothing in your eyes."
After the farce of his eightieth birthday celebration, the elder Mr. Winston had finally seen through his descendants' true nature.
Ungrateful wolves, every last one of them.
He took a deep breath, his eyes piercing.
"So I'll give what I want to whom I want. Consider it payment for raising you all for nothing!"
His words carried undeniable weight.
No one dared protest, no matter how desperate they were.
Everyone knew how stubborn the elder Mr. Winston could be.
Once his mind was made up, no force on earth could change it.
Sophia Sullivan frowned deeply.
"Grandfather, this is too precious. I can't accept it."
Having grown up in an orphanage, she had rarely experienced the warmth of family.
This gift from the elder Mr. Winston meant more to her than words could express.
It wasn't riches she lacked.
It was the feeling of being truly valued—treasured beyond measure.
The old man shoved the box into her hands without hesitation.
"Take it. I know you're extraordinary. You have talent, and in my eyes, you're the most remarkable young woman."
His smile was gentle.
"This Blood Jade means nothing to me. Consider it your dowry."
"That way, no matter who you choose in the future, you'll always have your own security."
The elder Mr. Winston understood society's harsh realities all too well.
As a divorcee, Sophia would face prejudice.
She needed leverage—something to command respect.
This Blood Jade would send a clear message:
As long as he lived, no one would dare look down on Sophia Sullivan.
Without waiting for her response, he turned to the butler.
"Escort Sophia and Mr. Sullivan out. Let's see who in the Winston family dares stand in their way."
His final words held a deeper meaning.
The butler bowed in acknowledgment.
Sophia didn't even get a proper chance to say goodbye.
She was ushered out swiftly.
"Miss Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, please come this way."
The butler explained quietly, "After tonight's events, the master is deeply upset. He wouldn't want you to witness what comes next."
The Winston residence would know no sleep tonight.
Sophia and Ethan Sullivan walked out in silence.
For once, neither spoke.
Side by side, they passed the flower beds.
The cool night breeze carried their thoughts away.
Ethan's voice was low.
"You needn't worry, Miss Sullivan. The elder Mr. Winston still holds sway in the Winston family."
"By giving you the Blood Jade, he ensured something precious wouldn't fall into unworthy hands."
"I know."
Sophia's voice was soft, tinged with nostalgia.
"I just feel... I've failed his expectations."
"When I married Liam, he was overjoyed. He'd hoped so much for a grandchild."
But her path had diverged from the Winstons' long ago.
The Blood Jade weighed heavily on her conscience—a gift she felt unworthy of.
"As long as he's happy, he won't think you've failed him."
Ethan glanced at Sophia's hair, dancing in the wind.
Almost unconsciously, he reached to tuck a loose strand behind her ear.
But he caught himself instantly, withdrawing his hand as if nothing had happened.
"Apologies. There was a leaf."
Yet his fingertips still burned with the memory of her silken hair.
Ethan realized—his control around Sophia was slipping.
She seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil, looking up instead with a question.
"Mr. Sullivan, why did you agree to Grandfather's request earlier?"
Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, his expression calm.
"Simply because you are... truly one of a kind."
A flawless answer.
Sophia smiled faintly, then changed the subject.
"Another thing—I never heard Ian Watson could restore videos."
"And as far as I know, the Sullivans and Winstons have no ties. Why were you at the banquet tonight?"
Ethan thought: Because you would be there.
Because he feared Liam and Chloe might threaten her.
But he didn't say it.
After all, Sophia could handle herself just fine without him.
"The video was indeed a gamble."
Ethan met her gaze, his eyes reflecting her image.
"Mrs. Winston and Chloe's expressions gave them away immediately."
"As for tonight's banquet..."
He paused, his voice deepening.
"What if I said I came because of you, Miss Sullivan? Would you believe me?"