Chapter 90

Sophia's chest heaved violently, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She never imagined this man could twist the truth so shamelessly.

"We're talking about Vivian," she forced out through gritted teeth, voice trembling. "Don't try to pin this on me."

Ethan's dark eyes took in her shaking form. The gaze that once held affection now burned with hatred.

"And if I do?" His lips curled into a cold smile. "Keep causing trouble, and I'll have you locked up too."

Sophia raised her hand to slap him.

He caught her wrist roughly, his hot breath scorching her ear. "Fighting me won't help. You'd better think about how to beg. Crushing your friend is easier than stepping on an ant."

The blatant threat made her eyes redden.

"Ethan Roscente, you're despicable."

He released her and sat down leisurely. The click of his lighter echoed as smoke curled around his dangerously handsome face.

"Your friend's life is in your hands now." He exhaled a smoke ring. "Sophia, you know what choice to make."

"Don't beg him, Soph!" Vivian struggled against her chair restraints. "I'd rather rot in jail than see you humiliated by these bastards!"

She spat at Ethan, "Come at me if you dare, Roscente! Hurt one hair on Sophia's head, and I'll chop you into dog food!"

Ethan laughed instead of getting angry.

"Spunky." He stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Let's see how long that lasts."

As he turned to leave, Sophia rushed after him.

"Sophia!" Vivian shouted desperately. "I'd serve a life sentence before watching you bow to him!"

Sophia froze mid-step, brows furrowed. "But I can't just watch you—"

Before finishing, she bolted out the door.

The black Maybach sped off, leaving only acrid exhaust fumes behind.

Sophia stood rooted, nails drawing blood from her palms.

"Miss Lowell?"

A gentle male voice came from behind. She turned, forcing a smile. "Mr. Valdemar."

Sebastian's gaze flickered over her red-rimmed eyes before scanning the empty police station hallway. "Trouble with your friend?"

"She might go to prison." Her voice cracked.

Sebastian exchanged a look with the lawyer beside him.

"Would you share the details?" he asked kindly. "Perhaps we can help."

Spotting the attorney's badge, hope flickered in Sophia's eyes as she explained the situation.

The lawyer frowned. "It's complicated unless the plaintiff withdraws charges."

Withdraw? That would mean begging Ethan again.

"Can she be bailed out first?" Sebastian asked.

Sophia looked at the lawyer expectantly.

"Theoretically, yes." He nodded.

But the police's response shattered that hope—no bail allowed.

There was no doubt who pulled the strings behind this.

Ethan was determined to force her surrender.