That one question, filled with confusion, pierced Sophia’s heart.

In his half-conscious state, he saw Isabella, not her.

Sophia felt her heart breaking, as if sliced by a razor.

She stood frozen, her fists clenched tightly.

A sharp wave of jealousy washed over her.

Inside, she cursed, wishing the car crash had ended Isabella’s life.

But despite her bitterness, Sophia knew this moment was critical.

She took a deep breath, calming her rage, and whispered, “Ethan, you’re drunk. Let me clean your face.”

Ethan released her wrist, murmuring a vague “Hmm.” This obedience was unusual; he was always commanding and dominant around her, yet now he seemed subdued and pliable.

Sophia’s knuckles turned white as she wrung out a towel, then gently dabbed Ethan’s face.

The cold water might have started to sober him up, as his senses gradually sharpened.

When he opened his eyes and saw Sophia, he frowned, his demeanor instantly turning icy.

He pushed her hand away and said bluntly, “Leave.”

Sophia’s small flicker of hope shattered with those two words.

“Ethan, let me take care of you…” Sophia’s voice trembled, her eyes welling up with tears.

“I said, get out.” Ethan’s voice grew even colder.

A sharp pain shot through Sophia’s heart, forcing her to exit the room.

She collapsed onto the living room sofa, her mind simmering with resentment.

Abruptly, she stood up and began pacing, her frustration mounting. She slipped out to the garden, glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and pulled out her phone to make a call.

“Why didn’t Isabella die in that car accident you arranged?” Sophia demanded, her voice laced with controlled fury.

From the other end came a leisurely, mocking reply. “What’s wrong, my dear? Why so upset? That little incident certainly caused enough chaos.”

Taking a deep breath to steady her anger, Sophia said, “Arrange another accident. Make sure Isabella doesn’t survive this time.”

A low chuckle echoed from the other end, amused and taunting. “I can’t.” Sophia’s temper flared, and she raised her voice. “And why not? How dare you refuse—”

She was abruptly cut off by the hacker.

“Have you forgotten our deal?” the hacker said, his voice calm, almost entertained. “You still owe me for that favor, and now you want me to stage another accident?”

Sophia froze, her grip tightening around her phone.

The memory hit her like a physical blow. She had made a deal with him, hiring him to engineer the car crash. His price? A night with her. At the time, she hadn’t hesitated—so desperate was she to eliminate her rival.

A flicker of shame surfaced, but she suppressed it quickly.

They’d been intimate more than once; there was no reason to pretend now.

Besides, anger burned hotter within her, and she needed an outlet—something reckless and raw to match the storm inside.

Pulling up her phone, she searched for the nearest luxury hotel to Hawthorne Residence. Once she found one, she sent the hacker a message with the location. “Go there. I’ll book a room.”