Sophia's lips curved slightly, a glint of cunning flashing in her eyes.

Victor's face darkened instantly.

His knuckles turned white as he clenched the glass bottle in his left hand.

Zoe followed Sophia's gaze and asked curiously, "Uncle Victor, that crystal bottle is quite unique. Is it an antique?"

Victor forced out a stiff "Hmm" through gritted teeth.

He had never felt so humiliated in his life.

The mighty head of the Sullivan family, outmaneuvered by a mere girl.

The private room door creaked open.

Ethan strode in, his gaze immediately locking onto Sophia.

Victor cleared his throat loudly. "Ethan, sit here."

The empty seat beside him was right next to Zoe.

Ethan ignored him, walking straight to Sophia and taking the seat beside her.

"Focus is key when pursuing someone," he said casually, pouring her a cup of tea. "Being late on your first date deserves punishment."

Victor's temple throbbed violently.

A billion dollars!

Gone, just like that.

He shot Sophia a venomous glare.

Sophia turned calmly to Zachary. "Uncle Zachary, do you need explosives? I've recently developed a new formula with impressive results."

Zachary's hand trembled.

This wasn't a restorer—she was a demoness in disguise!

He forced a laugh and handed her a check. "This is the deposit for Travelers Among Mountains."

As Sophia reached for it, Ethan intercepted it first.

"My girlfriend's hands are for painting," he said smoothly, tucking the check into her bag. "Let me handle the rough work."

Victor felt his liver ache with rage.

He ladled a bowl of soup and pushed it toward Zoe. "Zoe is young and accomplished. Ethan should be with someone like her—a perfect partner."

Sophia abruptly stood up.

"I need to use the restroom," she said coldly.

At the bathroom mirror, Sophia stared at her reddened eyes.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sound of a cane approached.

Isabella limped into view, her face twisted with scorn. "Still clinging to him after the divorce? Have you no shame?"

Sophia spun around and slapped her.

Crack!

The sharp sound echoed through the bathroom.

Isabella clutched her cheek and shrieked, "How dare you hit me!"

"Since when do I need an appointment to slap you?" Sophia grabbed her collar. "Uncle Victor is introducing Ethan to his new flame right now. Autumn Moon Room. You’ll miss the show if you’re late."

Isabella's pupils constricted.

She stormed into the private room on her cane just in time to see Victor serving Zoe a dish.

"You old fox!" Isabella snatched a glass of red wine and flung it at Zoe. "You think you’re worthy?"

Zoe retaliated with a backhanded slap.

Crack!

Isabella staggered and crashed into the dining table, sending plates and bowls shattering to the floor.

Victor slammed the table and stood. "This is outrageous!"

Sophia leaned against the doorway, watching the chaos unfold with detached amusement.

Ethan appeared silently behind her, his warm palm settling at her waist.

"Feel better?" he murmured in her ear.

Sophia gave a soft "Mm."

This play had been directed to perfection.