Chapter 382

Sophia had no patience for Isabella's antics anymore. She turned to leave without another word.

"Instead of wasting time with me, Miss Valentine, perhaps you should focus on pleasing Ethan Roscente. What if he decides to swap brides at the last minute? You'd be the laughingstock of the century."

The words struck Isabella like a dagger.

Her face paled instantly. Her nails dug deep into her palms.

Swap brides?

Over my dead body, Sophia!

This time, I'll make sure you disappear for good.

Exiting the restroom, Sophia's heart pounded. She immediately texted her hacker contact.

Only after receiving confirmation did she finally exhale in relief.

When Isabella returned to the waiting area, she had already regained her composure. She looped her arm through Ethan's with practiced ease.

"Ethan, I want to sit with you."

He raised a brow. "Your seat isn't here."

"But I want to be next to you," she cooed, batting her lashes.

Ethan's gaze slid meaningfully toward Sophia. "You'll have to ask Sophia. You're trying to take her spot."

Sophia seized the opportunity. "I don't mind switching."

The temperature in the room seemed to plummet the moment she spoke.

Ethan's dark eyes bore into her.

She pretended not to notice, busying herself with adjusting her bag strap.

"How generous of you," Isabella said, tilting her chin up triumphantly.

On the train, Sophia sat alone by the window.

Ethan and Isabella occupied the seats across from her.

As the scenery blurred past, her thoughts churned.

Isabella's earlier behavior had unsettled her.

Though the hacker assured her the hospital records were secure, she resolved to be even more cautious moving forward.

At their destination, Sophia strode briskly toward the exit.

Ethan suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Why did you give up your seat?"

"Wasn't that what you wanted?" Sophia scoffed.

Isn't it nice to cuddle with your fiancée?

"My want?" His jaw tightened. "Since when did you become an expert on my desires?"

"Then enlighten me," she challenged, meeting his gaze head-on.

Ethan faltered under her direct stare.

"Never mind," Sophia yanked her arm free. "I'm not interested."

"Let me drive you," he insisted, grabbing her again.

"No need." She walked away without looking back.

Another minute in that toxic atmosphere, and Isabella's glare would have turned her to Swiss cheese.

Watching their heated exchange from behind Ethan's assistant, Isabella's eyes burned with jealousy.

She stared daggers at Sophia's retreating figure, silently vowing revenge.