Something was wrong.

Mr.Valentine's face was tense.

He rushed up the stairs, heading straight for the hospital room.

Sophia Ashcroft never asked for help.

The last time she begged him was when her daughter went missing.

Now she had sent another plea for assistance...

His heart raced. No replies to his messages. No answer to his calls. Had that killer targeted her again?

Mr.Valentine's eyes reddened.

He charged to the room and shoved the door open.

William Ashcroft blocked the entrance.

Mr.Valentine halted.

William spoke slowly. "Third Master, what brings you here?"

Mr.Valentine's voice was urgent. "Where is Sophia?"

William coughed. "She's freshening up."

Mr.Valentine froze.

William wore an apologetic look. "Sophia just woke up. She felt uncomfortable and is showering. It's not a good time for visitors."

Mr.Valentine glanced toward the bathroom.

Behind the frosted glass door, water rushed loudly.

He couldn't see the chaos inside.

Sophia's hospital gown was torn. A cloth gagged her mouth. Her hands and feet were bound.

Hot water drenched her entire body.

She struggled to make noise, but the sound was swallowed by the water.

Outside, Mr.Valentine looked away, still uneasy. "She just messaged me saying she needed help."

William nodded. "We sent it together."

He pointed to the hallway.

Mr.Valentine stepped back.

William exited the room and closed the door.

He faced Mr.Valentine directly. "You and Sophia agreed to never meet again. You already broke that promise last time. Sophia just lost her daughter. She's emotionally fragile. She asked me to tell you to return to New York immediately. Do not set foot in San Francisco again."

Mr.Valentine was stunned.

He instinctively looked toward the room.

William blocked his view. "Third Master, this is her only request. Please don't stay and see her in such a state."

Mr.Valentine's jaw tightened. His fists clenched.

William said calmly, "You just promised her you would grant any wish. Third Master, are you going back on your word now?"

Mr.Valentine glared at him. "You read our messages?"

William smiled. "Twenty-two years of marriage. We have no secrets between us. Third Master, please do not disturb our lives."

Do not disturb her.

That was indeed Sophia's consistent attitude.

Twenty-two years.

He knew she was in San Francisco, but never visited, afraid to make her uncomfortable...

Even wanting to know how she was doing, he had to ask Alexander Vance to check for him.

Mr.Valentine thought Sophia was truly heartless...

But she had always been this way.

In the past. And now.

Mr.Valentine stepped back with a bitter smile. His voice was hoarse. "Fine. I'll leave. If Sophia ever needs anything in the future, just ask."

William nodded. "Thank you, Third Master. Evelyn is gone. Sophia is exhausted. As long as you do not disturb us, we can live in peace..."

Husband and wife...

The words stabbed Mr.Valentine's heart.

He nodded reluctantly and turned to leave.

William watched his retreating back, a meaningful smile appearing.

He turned, entered the room, and locked the door.

He walked to the bathroom and pushed the door open.

He turned off the water, took a towel, and dried Sophia's hair.

"Sophia, you need to dry off. Don't catch a cold..."

His voice was still gentle, but Sophia trembled violently!

William carried her out of the bathroom and placed her on the hospital bed.

He removed her soaked pajamas and threw them in the trash.

He dried her body with the towel, revealing the vicious whip marks on her back.

William took out ointment and applied it gently.

He whispered meticulously, "Sophia, does it hurt? Blowing on it will make it better..."

Sophia closed her eyes. The gag was removed from her mouth.

She begged softly, "William Ashcroft, just kill me."

"I love you so much. How could I bear to kill you? Sophia, I did all this just to keep you..."

William finished applying the medicine and took out her everyday clothes.

"Sophia, we're going home. The hospital has too many people. It's inconvenient..."

A light sparked in Sophia's eyes.

If she could leave this room...

Just as hope rose, a sharp pain stabbed her arm!

Sophia turned her head and saw a needle piercing her skin.

Her entire body went limp instantly, collapsing into William's arms.

"You... drugged me..."

Her tongue felt heavy. Her words were slurred.

William smiled. "Sophia, this is a muscle relaxant. You will be very obedient now..."

Sophia's pupils contracted.

She watched helplessly as she was dressed like a doll.

William picked her up and strode out the door.

A nurse saw them and asked, "Mr. Ashcroft, what's happening?"

William sighed. "Sophia just woke up and insisted on going home. I'm taking her back..."

The nurse nodded. "Mr. Ashcroft, you are so devoted. Mrs. Ashcroft, you must stay strong. What would happen to Mr. Ashcroft if something happened to you? Last time you fainted, he stayed by your side without eating or drinking. We were all so moved!"

She looked at William. "Mr. Ashcroft, you must take care of yourself too."

William replied gently, "Don't worry. I will take care of myself. I still need to grow old with Sophia..."

Hearing this, Sophia suddenly felt clear-headed.

William's affection might be real. That's why his disguise was perfect.

He had fooled everyone. Even she hadn't detected the darkness inside him!

Who would have thought he was the one who killed Evelyn?!

She watched helplessly as William carried her downstairs and into a car.

They didn't notice Mr.Valentine frowning in a corner of the parking lot, watching the car drive away.

After a long moment, Mr.Valentine opened WhatsApp and found that chat interface.

[Kid, I think something is wrong with Mrs. Ashcroft! Can you go check on her for me?]