Chapter 45

Across the hallway lived a silver-haired old lady with a kind face.

Since Sophia moved in, the elderly woman noticed her solitary lifestyle and took pity on her, often gifting homegrown vegetables. Over time, the two grew familiar.

"Are you Sophia's friends?" The old woman squinted at the two men before her, then frowned. "That girl had sudden abdominal pain last night. An ambulance took her away. Why are you only coming now?"

Zachary's pupils constricted. From the corner of his eye, he saw Ethan's jawline tighten instantly.

"Do you know which hospital?" Zachary's voice was strained.

The moment the old woman named the hospital, Ethan had already turned and pressed the elevator button. The metal doors reflected his stormy profile.

The black sedan sped through the streets. Ethan's knuckles turned white, the window mirroring his bloodshot eyes.

So that fleeing figure from this morning really was her.

She'd rather collapse than see him?

A low, humorless laugh escaped him, his eyes icy.

Sophia, you're something else.

The rooftop wind howled, tangling Sophia's hair. She stared at her blacked-out phone, her lips twisting into a mocking curve.

"I knew it was you." Isabella limped closer, clutching her waist, her hospital gown billowing in the wind. "I thought you looked familiar in the hallway."

Sophia glanced at her awkward gait, then turned away indifferently to gaze at the city lights.

"What happens to me is none of your concern, Ms. Valentine."

"You seem to hate me." Isabella tilted her head, suddenly stepping closer. "Because of Ethan?"

Sophia turned to leave, but cold fingers clamped around her wrist.

"Did you sleep with him?" Isabella's nails dug into her skin.

Sophia yanked free, smoothing the wrinkles from her sleeve with deliberate calm. "Ms. Valentine, we're not close enough for this conversation."

"You're guilty." Isabella suddenly laughed. "Just like your aunt, preying on wealthy men. Shameless."

Sophia's gaze turned glacial.

"Seems my last slap didn't teach you a lesson."

Isabella instinctively retreated half a step before straightening. "And who ended up apologizing? Ethan always takes my side. What are you to him?"

She would never forget the humiliation on Sophia's face when she was forced to back down.

"Oh?" Sophia smiled faintly. "How many times do you think he can stomach that plastic face of yours before he gags?"

Isabella paled instantly.

"Honestly, if you're born defective, you should know your place." Sophia's gaze swept over her stiff cheek implants. "Save yourself the embarrassment of being discarded."

The wind lifted Isabella's gown, revealing her clenched fists.