Chapter 83

Sophia stood by the roadside, clutching her bag, refusing to even glance at the man beside her.

Zachary remained rooted in place like a wooden post.

"Stand there till the end of time, for all I care," she sneered.

The ride-hail car arrived punctually. Sophia yanked the door open and slammed it shut with a force that echoed through the quiet street.

Zachary rubbed his temples. Every time these two clashed, he was the one caught in the crossfire.

Watching the car disappear, he dialed Ethan Roscente's number.

"Mr. Roscente, Ms. Lowell has left."

A brief acknowledgment came through before the call ended.

Ethan pocketed his phone and turned to Isabella Valentine. "I'll arrange a driver for you."

"Aren't you coming with me?" Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

His expression remained indifferent. "I have a meeting."

She bit her lip, hesitating before probing further. "You and Sophia—"

Ethan lit a cigarette, his gaze sharp through the smoke. "Watch your tongue."

"This isn't fair!" Her voice trembled.

"Fair?" He scoffed. "Need I remind you how the Valentines secured this engagement? Touch Sophia again, and after what happened with Voyager Tech, your sister can take your place."

Isabella paled, tears spilling over. "Understood..."

Ethan exhaled a smoke ring. "Leave."

As her retreating figure vanished, he stubbed out his cigarette and headed home.

Passing a four-story building, he paused. Margaret was tossing something into a brazier—flames briefly illuminated the words "Marriage Pledge."

"A perfect match, a blessed union..." His lips curved slightly.

A masterstroke indeed.

Back in his study, Ethan called Sophia. The familiar automated voicemail greeted him—blocked again.

Gazing at the moon outside, his eyes darkened.

The next morning, Sophia jolted awake to her phone's shrill ringtone.

"Sophia! Check the trending hashtags!" Vivian's voice exploded through the speaker. "Isabella's image is crumbling!"

"What?" Sophia sat up groggily.

"A video of her bullying a waitress just went viral!" Vivian rushed on. "Dumping wine on someone's head, forcing them to kneel—it's all crystal clear! The internet's tearing her apart while her fans stay silent. Glorious!"