The teacup struck Zoe Riveron's back with a sharp crack.

She gasped in pain as the porcelain shattered across the floor.

Isabella Valentine's smug grin burned into her vision.

Zoe clenched her fists.

This woman actually dared to ambush her.

Her gaze darted to the cabinet by the door where several steaming kettles stood in a row.

In three quick strides, she grabbed one and charged toward Isabella.

The spout hissed with scalding vapor.

A waiter intercepted her. "Ma'am, that water will cause serious burns!"

Zoe was several years older than Isabella.

The intervention gradually cooled her fury.

She shot Isabella a withering glare before pushing through the exit.

Zachary Riveron followed, mopping his brow.

Zane Riveron waved at Ethan Sullivan. "See you later, Ethan!"

Outside the private room, Zane whistled. "That was more dramatic than a soap opera."

Zoe's heels clicked sharply. "You just stood there while your sister got attacked?"

Zane chuckled. "With your skills? I was afraid you'd cripple her."

"Ethan's ex-wife had class. Why is Isabella acting like a rabid dog?"

Zane changed the subject. "Dad's matchmaking scheme with Ethan—don't take it seriously."

Zoe arched a brow. "What if I do?"

"He's already got someone in his heart. Why interfere?"

"Zoe Riveron always gets what she wants."

Zane shook his head. "Narcissism is a disease. Get help."

At the elevator, Zachary advised, "The Sullivan family's too complicated. Stay out of it."

Zoe crossed her arms. "I love a challenge."

Zane rolled his eyes. "Freak."

Inside the private room, Theodore Valentine and Victor Sullivan were still arguing.

Ethan squeezed Sophia Laurent's hand. "Let's go."

Isabella stomped her foot as she watched them leave.

"Mom! Why are they still so close after divorcing?"

Victoria Windsor scoffed. "Maybe consider Adrian Sullivan?"

"That playboy? Disgusting!"

In the car, Ethan laced his fingers tightly with Sophia's.

"Moon Bay?" His voice was low, his palm tracing her waistline.

Sophia stopped his wandering hand. "We're divorced."

"We're dating now." He pulled her close, brushing his lips against her temple.

His mouth trailed down to her earlobe.

Sophia turned away. "Were you this impatient when chasing Isabella?"

Ethan frowned. "Don't mention her."

"Truth."

"You're the first woman I've ever pursued." He nibbled her ear. "I'm inexperienced. Be patient."

Sophia thought, This is inexperienced?

The car stopped outside Grace Langley's apartment complex.

"I'm going to the Taipei Palace Museum tomorrow. It might take two weeks," Sophia said.

Ethan tightened his grip. "I'll assign more bodyguards."

"Mom's place—"

"Don't worry. She's still under protection."

Sophia stepped out. Ethan followed with a bouquet of roses.

"No need to walk me."

"First day courting my girlfriend demands ceremony." He shook the flowers.

Under moonlight, their shadows merged.

At the entrance, Sophia took the bouquet. "Go home."

Suddenly, Ethan pulled her into the tree shadows and kissed her deeply.

The kiss was lingering, fervent.

Just as passion peaked, a woman's voice cut through. "What are you doing?"