Sophia approached them with a fragile expression, her eyes rimmed red from recent tears.

She had just witnessed the tender moment between Ethan and Isabella, a sharp pang of envy twisting inside her. But she quickly masked it with practiced ease.

Ethan’s brow furrowed as she drew near.

“Ethan,” Sophia murmured softly. “I got the birthday present you sent through Benjamin. I adore it.”

She hesitated briefly before continuing, “Are you free tonight? I was hoping we could have dinner together—it is my birthday, after all. You never missed celebrating it when we were together…”

Her voice trembled slightly, eyes wide and hopeful.

Just then, Eleanor finished her phone call and overheard Sophia’s words. A knot of anxiety tightened in her chest.

Assuming Ethan would leave with Sophia, Eleanor quickly took Liam’s small hand. “You should go,” she told Ethan. “You’ve helped enough today. We won’t take up any more of your time.”

Ethan felt a strange heaviness in his chest. His eyes followed Eleanor as she began guiding Liam away. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

Sophia noticed his hesitation immediately. “Eleanor,” she interjected smoothly, “why not join us for dinner?” When Eleanor didn’t respond, she added gently, “Are you still upset with me? I truly had nothing to do with what happened to your grandmother…”

Eleanor’s free hand clenched into a tight fist, nails digging deep into her palm.

She spun around to face Sophia, her voice icy and sharp. “You should be grateful my grandmother is alright. If she weren’t, I would make sure you paid for it.”

Without another word, she lifted Liam into her arms and walked away, not once looking back.

The atmosphere grew thick with tension as Ethan and Sophia stood alone. “Ethan,” Sophia whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She looked more vulnerable than ever. “Have you really forgotten everything we shared?”

Ethan finally turned to her. For a moment, her words almost swayed him—but then clarity returned.

“Sophia,” he said, his tone gentle yet distant. “I have urgent work at the office. Let’s do dinner another time.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Today… isn’t good.”

Sophia felt the blood drain from her face. She stared at him, stunned. “But—it’s my birthday. You always used to…” Her voice broke, unable to finish.

Ethan looked away, adjusting his cuff with sudden focus. “I need to go.”

He walked off without waiting for a reply, his steps firm and decisive. Sophia stood frozen, watching him leave. Each step felt like a blow to her heart.

She couldn’t accept this. Why did Eleanor have everything?

Eleanor had Ethan’s love and a beautiful son, while she had nothing.

Resentment, long festering, flared hot within her. Sophia gritted her teeth, her gaze turning fierce. She would ruin Eleanor, no matter what it took. Then she would claim what was rightfully hers.

Unseen in the shadows, Zoe watched everything unfold. A cold smile touched her lips as she observed Sophia’s despair. This was only the beginning. The real drama was yet to come.

She planned to watch Sophia and Eleanor destroy each other, then step in to claim the spoils.

Meanwhile, Ethan quickened his pace, determined to catch up with Eleanor and Liam.