Vincent Grandelle hastily reached out to stop them as they rose to leave. "Sophia, you've barely eaten. Stay a while longer. No need for wine, but at least finish your meal."

Ethan Sullivan remained standing rigidly.

The wine mattered little.

It was Kyle Grant's lingering glances toward Sophia that unsettled him.

Vincent pressed a firm hand on Ethan's shoulder, forcing him back into his seat. "At least let Sophia eat properly after working all evening."

Ethan reluctantly sat down.

The rest of the meal tasted like ashes.

At the ladies' table, Diana Grandelle observed everything.

She leaned toward Isabella Valentine and whispered, "Who's that young man opposite us?"

Isabella glanced over. "Kyle Grant, heir to Grant Auction House."

"Close with your grandfather?"

"Yes. He often commissions antique restorations."

Diana smiled meaningfully. "His interest in Sophia seems... particular."

Isabella scoffed. "I noticed that ages ago."

Diana placed a piece of fish in her daughter's bowl, lowering her voice. "If you want Ethan back, use that man to your advantage."

Isabella's eyes lit up. "How?"

"Do I need to spell out the games men and women play?" Diana took a knowing sip of wine.

Isabella giggled, clinging to her arm. "You always know best, Grandma."

"Come to my room after dinner. We'll talk details."

As the banquet concluded, Sophia and Ethan took their leave.

In the car, Sophia mused, "The seating arrangements felt odd tonight."

Ethan rested his elbow against the window. "How so?"

"Why wasn't Grandma seated at the main table?"

His voice turned cool. "Diana was a courtesan Vincent bought out of servitude. To the older generation, that background remains... unsavory."

Sophia blinked in surprise.

She hadn't expected such antiquated notions.

"Grandma isn't what I imagined."

"Vincent's first wife was nobility. Evelyn took after her."

Sophia chuckled. "Quite the shift in taste."

Diana's coquettish air suggested even more allure in her youth.

Ethan tapped the steering wheel. "After gourmet feasts, one sometimes craves street food."

Sophia teased, "Is that why you wanted divorce papers? A change of palate?"

Ethan's expression darkened.

The divorce had been because her heart belonged to another.

Isabella had merely been a convenient excuse.

He'd rather bear the blame than let Sophia face the Sullivan family's censure.

The next morning, a meticulously groomed Isabella arrived at Grant Auction House.

The receptionist stopped her. "Do you have an appointment?"

Isabella lifted her chin. "Tell Mr. Grant that Vincent Grandelle's granddaughter wishes to see him."

Moments later, she strutted into the office.

Her eyes swept across walls adorned with priceless artworks.

"Didn't take you for this aesthetic, Mr. Grant," she simpered.

Kyle didn't look up. "State your business."

She swayed to his desk, perching on its edge with her short skirt riding up.

"Do you fancy Sophia?"

Kyle's gaze turned glacial. "Get down."

His tone sent her scrambling off the desk.

"Let's make a deal. You get Sophia, I get Ethan."

Kyle smirked. "You fled when he was injured three years ago. Now you dare return?"

Isabella flushed. "I was young—"

"Get out." Kyle pressed the intercom. "Security. Escort this woman out."