Sophia Laurent stood in the hotel corridor, her fingertips icy.

She pushed open the door to the last guest room. The empty space held only slanted morning light spilling across the carpet.

Ethan Sullivan leaned against the doorframe, his black suit accentuating the sharp lines of his shoulders.

"Looking for someone?" His voice was soft.

When Sophia turned, she met the depths of his penetrating gaze. "Isabella Valentine."

Ethan suddenly laughed, fine creases forming at the corners of his eyes. "You think I'd sleep with her?"

"She answered your call."

Ethan pulled out his phone, his long fingers swiping across the screen. The call log was empty.

His eyes frosted over instantly.

"I was showering last night." His voice turned glacial. "She sneaked in to deliver documents."

Sophia tightened her grip on her purse strap.

Ethan dialed his assistant without hesitation. "Pull the security footage."

Those three words made Sophia's shoulders relax.

In the restaurant, when Isabella Valentine approached in her ten-centimeter heels, Sophia's fork stabbed into her cake.

"Ethan~" The voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.

Ethan didn't even look up. "Get lost."

Isabella's eyes reddened instantly, like a rabbit caught in the rain.

"You weren't like this before..."

"Because I was blind." Ethan loosened his tie. "Now the sight of you disgusts me."

Nearby, Victor Sullivan's gaze swept over them like a searchlight.

Isabella immediately moved to his table, summoning tears on command.

"Uncle Victor..." She sobbed as if gasping for air. "It's all my fault..."

Victor's hand trembled as he offered her a tissue. "That boy isn't worthy of you."

"Sophia is actually—"

"What is she?" Victor scoffed. "The Valentines are our true match."

Isabella lowered her head to peel shrimp, her nails painted cherry blossom pink.

When the surveillance footage arrived, Sophia was lost in thought in the bathtub.

The screen showed Isabella being dragged by the arm and thrown out of the room, her face twisted like a demon's.

Sophia laughed until tears spilled.

The underground parking garage reeked of motor oil.

Isabella was reapplying her lipstick for the third time when she finally spotted that tall, imposing figure.

"Ethan!" Her voice quivered.

Ethan stood in the shadows, his profile as sharp as a blade.

"You kicked me out last night..." She took half a step closer. "Was it because the hotel wasn't private enough?"

Ethan suddenly raised his hand.

Slap!

The sound of the strike exploded through the parking garage.

Isabella staggered back, crashing into a car door, her earring flying off.

"You hit me?" She clutched her cheek, her foundation cracking.

Ethan wiped his hands with deliberate calm. "If you ever touch my phone again..."

He suddenly gripped her chin. "Next time, it'll be a lawsuit."

This time, Isabella's tears were real.

From a nearby rocking SUV came a woman's shrill scream.