Chapter 86

"Stop crying! It's all that bitch's scheme!" Vivian Ashcroft wiped her tears angrily, her voice dripping with venom. "I lost this round, but next time I'll tear her mouth apart!"

The glass door burst open. Two uniformed officers strode into the maternity shop, their sharp gazes scanning the room.

"Which one of you is Vivian Ashcroft?" The lead officer flashed his badge. "You've been accused of spreading false information online, constituting defamation."

Sophia Lowell's heart lurched. Instinctively, she stepped in front of her friend. "Officer, there must be some misunderstanding—"

"Save it for the station." The cop brushed past her and snapped handcuffs onto Vivian's wrists.

"Sophia!" Vivian turned in panic.

"Interfere and you're coming too," the officer warned sharply.

Sophia could only watch as her best friend was led away, the whispers of onlookers buzzing in her ears. She grabbed her purse and chased after them, but reached the mall entrance just in time to see the police car speed off.

A taxi screeched to a halt outside the precinct. Sophia barely had time to exit before Isabella Valentine emerged gracefully from a luxury van.

The A-list actress had tears streaking her perfect makeup—yet the moment she turned the corner, she flashed Sophia a triumphant smirk. "How does it feel to steal Ethan Roscente? Enjoying my little gift?"

Sophia's nails dug into her palms. "Leave her out of this!"

"Impatient?" Isabella examined her manicure. "Your friend walked right into the trap. Heard she just landed a new role?" She leaned closer, her whisper venomous. "Imagine what a criminal record would do..."

"What do you want?" Sophia's voice trembled.

Isabella's red lips curved. "Either confess to her crimes and go to jail, or..." Her contemptuous gaze swept over Sophia. "Guess even plastic friendships have limits."

"Is Ms. Valentine here yet?" a voice called from inside the station.

Instantly, Isabella transformed back into a pitiable victim, strutting inside on stilettos. Over her shoulder, she drew a finger across her throat in a silent threat.