Theodore Valentine stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, exhaling cigarette smoke.

Every word of the conversation between Victoria Windsor and Isabella Valentine reached his ears.

He stubbed out the cigarette and turned to Victoria. "Ethan Sullivan is going to Seattle tomorrow to sign a contract. Get some burner phones."

Victoria's eyes lit up. "What's the plan?"

Theodore studied her for a moment. "Never mind. Women always botch things up."

Victoria bristled. "I have my own ways to break them apart."

Theodore sneered. "Your last brilliant idea landed Isabella in Adrian Sullivan's arms."

Before he could finish, he froze.

Alexander Valentine stood in the foyer.

"When did you get back?" Theodore forced a stiff smile.

Alexander ignored him, changing his shoes before heading upstairs.

The bedroom door clicked shut.

He swapped his SIM card and texted Sophia Laurent: Ethan's traveling tomorrow. Stay close to him.

By the time Sophia called back, the phone was already powered off.

——

Seattle glittered under the night lights.

Ethan sat in a private dining room at the hotel, negotiating with Jack Goldman, a materials supplier.

Jack had brought along his VP, assistant, and secretary, Bella Dupont.

The diamonds on Bella's bracelet caught the light, sparkling faintly.

Ethan glanced at it, thinking of buying something similar for Sophia.

Bella mistook his interest.

As she poured his wine, she "accidentally" spilled it on his trousers.

"My apologies, Mr. Sullivan." She reached for a napkin to dab at the stain.

Ethan blocked her hand. "Don't."

Jack quickly intervened. "Bella, sit down."

——

After dinner, Ethan's assistant discreetly asked Bella about the bracelet's brand.

Bella was thrilled.

Jack handed her a folder. "Take these documents to Mr. Sullivan's suite."

She changed into a low-cut black dress and spritzed on perfume.

At the door, she jingled her bracelet. "Mr. Sullivan liked my jewelry."

Inside, Ethan was on the phone with Sophia in the bathroom.

Her unanswered calls had put him in a foul mood.

"Get out," he said coldly.

Bella giggled. "Teach me, Mr. Sullivan."

Ethan emerged in a bathrobe.

"Disappear. Now."

Pouting, Bella called Jack. "He's completely immune to seduction."

Jack was equally baffled.

——

In the hallway, Bella bumped into Sophia.

"Sweetheart, even I couldn't crack him," she said, blowing a smoke ring.

Sophia rang the doorbell.

Ethan's assistant brightened. "Ms. Laurent!"

Ethan pulled Sophia into a deep kiss.

Bella gaped.

The assistant said icily, "The contract is canceled."

——

Back in the room, Ethan pinched Sophia's cheek. "Since when do you check up on me?"

"Someone texted me to come."

Understanding flashed in Ethan's eyes.

He called Alexander. "Was it you?"

Alexander admitted it.

"Why help me?"

"Aunt Audrey and Uncle Vincent have been kind to me."

Ethan saw through him. "You like Natalie?"

"She's too young."

"She's twenty-three."

Alexander's voice dropped. "I might be infertile."

"Medicine is advanced. Don't let her slip away."

A long silence followed.

"If you like her, chase her." Ethan hung up.