Chapter 176

Isabella Valentine approached in her high heels, a fake smile plastered across her face. She reached out to grab Sophia Lowell's arm, but Sophia swiftly dodged her.

"Ah!"

Isabella lost her balance and crashed heavily onto the floor. Her carefully styled hair tumbled loose, and her expensive dress was now covered in dust.

All eyes in the vicinity turned toward her. Isabella's face flushed crimson with humiliation. She looked up at Ethan Roscente with panic in her eyes, silently pleading for help.

Ethan frowned, clearly bewildered by her actions.

Sophia gazed down at her coldly, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "The surveillance cameras caught everything, Ms. Valentine." She pointed to the camera above them. "Don't even think about framing me."

Ethan's expression darkened at her merciless words.

Isabella struggled to stand, leaning against the wall for support. Tears welled up instantly. "I just wanted to invite you to our wedding..." she sobbed. "I didn't expect you to dodge like that..."

"Wedding?" Sophia arched an eyebrow in disdain. "Are we close?" She took a sudden step forward. "And what do you mean, you 'didn’t expect' me to dodge? Was I supposed to stand there and let you push me?"

Isabella had no retort. Her tears only fell harder.

"I have good reflexes," Sophia said icily. "When someone suspicious comes at me, my first instinct is to move away. Is that a problem?"

Isabella's tearful act failed to sway anyone. If anything, it made Ethan's expression grow even sterner.

"Ethan..." She reached out pitifully to tug at his sleeve. "My ankle hurts..."

He yanked his arm away. "I told you not to provoke her." His voice was sharp. "And which staff member told you I was here?"

Isabella's face paled.

"Enough!" Ethan cut her off harshly. "Keep this up, and the wedding is off."

His words were like a bucket of ice water dumped over her head. Her eyes widened in terror, her voice trembling. "Ethan, I'm sorry..."

He ignored her, turning to Felix Roland instead. "Take her home." Without another word, he strode after Sophia.

Felix sighed and approached Isabella. "Ethan despises being manipulated," he said meaningfully. "The harder you push, the further you’ll drive him away."

Isabella bit her lip so hard it nearly bled. The hatred in her eyes was unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Sophia stood before the elevator, her expression blank as she waited. The director had gone to the restroom, giving her a moment to breathe.

The elevator doors slid open. Just as she was about to step inside, a long, strong hand suddenly held them back.