Chapter 31

Sophia's hand remained suspended in midair, her fingertips trembling slightly.

The sound of leather shoes striking pavement echoed behind her, each step like a hammer to her heart.

She turned slowly. Ethan Roscente stood a short distance away, his features obscured by neon lights, unreadable.

"Ethan..." Her throat tightened.

Isabella Valentine had already thrown herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.

"Ethan, it hurts..." She tilted her head, revealing a swollen cheek.

The air around Ethan turned glacial, his gaze slicing across Sophia's face like a blade.

"Explain." His voice was ice.

Sophia clenched her fists. "She insulted my mother."

"I didn't!" Isabella sobbed harder. "I only mentioned her boyfriend—"

"Enough." Ethan cut her off, his eyes locked on Sophia. "Apologize."

Sophia's chest heaved.

She should have known—in this man's eyes, Isabella was always right.

"What if I refuse?" She lifted her chin.

Ethan's expression darkened. "Your aunt's check-up next week..."

Sophia's pupils constricted.

She stared at him in disbelief, her heart tearing open.

"Sorry." The word was wrenched from between her teeth.

Isabella, still sheltered in Ethan's embrace, flashed her a triumphant smile.

Sophia spun on her heel and walked away, the night wind stinging her face.

"Ms. Lowell!" Zachary Evans caught up to her. "Mr. Roscente asked me to—"

"Get lost!" She shoved him aside and plunged into traffic.

The screech of brakes pierced the street.

By the time Zachary regained his bearings, her slender figure had vanished into the darkness.

He hastily dialed a number. "Mr. Roscente, Ms. Lowell, she—"

Silence stretched for several seconds on the other end.

"Understood."

The call ended. Ethan glanced down at Isabella. "The driver is waiting downstairs."

"Aren't you taking me home?" She clutched his sleeve.

Ethan pulled his arm free, his gaze inscrutable. "I have business to attend to."