Chapter 258

"That Isabella Valentine isn't fit to lick your boots!" Vivian Ashcroft slammed the couch cushion, her teeth clenched. "Ethan Roscente must be blind, treating trash like treasure!"

Sophia Lowell gave a small smile. "Maybe it's true love?"

"Bullshit!" Vivian rolled her eyes. "Even the most devoted woman in history would call him a masterclass in foolishness—" Her voice cut off abruptly as she spotted the men's underwear drying on the balcony. Her eyes widened. "Holy shit! Sophia, you've got a man stashed here?"

Sophia followed her gaze and felt her scalp prickle.

Damn Ethan and his ridiculous demand that she hand-wash his underwear. He'd threatened to parade around naked if she refused. The mental image alone had forced her into playing laundress.

And now Vivian had seen it.

"Spill it!" Vivian bounced up, grinning. "Who's the lucky guy? Hotter than Ethan? Good in bed?" She whipped out her phone. "I'm posting this! Let that bastard Ethan see you've got options!"

"Wait!"

Sophia grabbed her wrist.

Vivian frowned in confusion.

Sophia had never told her about the car accident or Ethan rescuing her. Seeing the misunderstanding spiral, she opened her mouth to explain—

Knock knock.

Vivian bolted to the door. "Must be the mystery man! Let me see who's worthy of my bestie—" She yanked it open and froze.

Sophia covered her face in despair.

"Ethan?!" Vivian's shriek rattled the windows. "You dare show your face here? Why don't you crawl back to hell with that bitch Isabella?"

She grabbed the broom by the door and brandished it. "Get out! I'll break your legs myself today!"

Ethan eyed the furious woman. "Off your meds?"

"You're the one who needs meds!" Vivian swung the broom. "Leave or I'm calling the cops!"

Leaning lazily against the doorframe, he pulled out his phone. "Go ahead. Let them see who's causing trouble."

"Threatening me?" Vivian sneered. "Listen up, Ethan—Sophia's got a new man! They're living together! Scram, you homewrecker!"

Ethan's expression darkened.

Sophia rushed to clamp a hand over Vivian's mouth. "She's lying!"

"Am not!" Vivian shook her off, shielding Sophia with the broom. "Stay away from her, Ethan!"

Ethan narrowed his eyes at Sophia. "Your roommate needs psychiatric help."

"You—"