Chapter 143

The sharp scent of disinfectant hung heavy in the hospital air.

Sophia Reynolds lay on the bed, her face as pale as paper. The doctor had just finished examining her—aside from some bruises and scrapes, she was thankfully unharmed.

"Sophia, what happened?"

Evelyn Sullivan grasped her cold hand.

Sophia's fingers trembled slightly, a flash of hatred flickering in her eyes.

"He gambled again," she rasped. "Lost five million this time. The creditors threatened to chop off his hand. To save himself, he sold me."

Evelyn's pupils constricted.

"Doesn't he know the money you've earned these years could cover his debts?"

"How could I tell him?" Sophia let out a bitter laugh. "That money would just fuel his addiction. Everything I've saved from working myself to the bone wasn't meant to fill his bottomless pit."

Evelyn's heart ached.

The once-pampered heiress of the Reynolds family, now reduced to this by her own father.

"Sophia, have you ever thought about..." She chose her words carefully. "Cutting ties with him completely?"

Sophia's head snapped up, shock flashing across her face.

"I've tried." Her smile was rueful. "But as long as I'm in this city, I'll never escape his shadow."

"That's illegal." Evelyn's voice was firm. "Selling your own daughter—that's enough to put him behind bars."

Sophia clenched the sheets, her knuckles turning white.

"I need time to think..."

If she really sent her father to prison, she could be free. But he was still her flesh and blood.

"No rush." Evelyn patted her hand. "You can move first, then refuse to have anything to do with him."

Sophia nodded, forcing a weak smile.

"Evelyn, you should go. I'll be fine."

When Evelyn returned home, the lights in the living room were still on.

Ethan Sullivan sat in his wheelchair, his expression dark as thunder.

"Mr. Sullivan, your leg injury requires rest."

"You still remember to care about me?" He let out a cold laugh. "Sneaking off alone to take on a dozen thugs—Evelyn Sullivan, you've got quite the nerve."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, silent.

"What if they had guns? What if you were outnumbered?" Ethan's voice grew colder. "Do you think you're invincible?"

Evelyn lowered her head.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to worry."

"Oh? Then should I thank you for being so considerate?"

God knew how furious he'd been when he got the news. This reckless woman had actually gone to such a place alone.

Evelyn peeked up, meeting Ethan's piercing gaze.

"Mr. Sullivan, I promise it won't happen again. It's late—should we rest?"

"See that it doesn't."

He turned his wheelchair to leave when Evelyn suddenly spoke.

"I've transferred six million back to you. The money for Angel's Tears—I'll repay it as soon as I can."

Ethan's back stiffened.

"Suit yourself."

He left without looking back, the sound of his wheelchair rolling across the floor gratingly loud.

Evelyn exhaled deeply.

She didn't want to owe him too much. Some debts needed to be settled clean.

The next morning, Evelyn pushed open the hospital door, breakfast in hand.

"Get out! I don't want to see you!"

Sophia's furious shout rang out from inside.