Ian Watson stepped forward.
His expression remained impassive.
"Please leave."
"Our establishment does not welcome ill-mannered guests."
Chloe Evans' face drained of color.
She rushed forward to explain.
"Mr. Sullivan, this must be a misunderstanding."
"We didn't know this boutique was under your ownership."
"My mother simply wanted to help me pick a wedding gift."
"She meant no offense—"
Ethan Sullivan controlled numerous luxury brands.
Even this Chanel store belonged to him.
Being blacklisted would make purchasing luxury goods in A-City nearly impossible.
She might have to fly abroad just to buy what she wanted.
"Blacklisting customers over a minor disagreement..."
"Don't you think that's excessive, Mr. Sullivan?"
Her voice trailed off weakly.
Regret already gnawed at her for today's impulsiveness.
Victoria Chamberlain gaped in shock.
"This store is his?"
What stunned her most was Ethan Sullivan defending Sophia Sullivan.
Liam Winston stood rigid, his face dark.
He recognized this as Ethan's deliberate provocation against the Winston family.
If Winston Group got blacklisted,
their future collaborations in luxury goods would suffer devastating blows.
Before he could speak,
Ethan wheeled closer to Sophia.
His demeanor remained calm,
but his tone carried unmistakable intimacy.
"I invited you to dinner, Ms. Sullivan."
"Yet you encountered such unpleasantness."
"Next time, I'll personally escort you."
"To ensure no unwelcome disturbances."
"Just casual shopping..."
Their conversation flowed naturally,
their chemistry effortlessly excluding outsiders.
The sight made Liam's expression twist further,
his gloom almost palpable.
The store manager tactfully intervened.
"Ms. Sullivan, we'll deliver this gown directly to your residence."
The farce finally concluded.
Chloe watched their默契 interaction,
jealousy burning through her.
Forcing a smile, she retrieved an invitation from her purse.
"I know you still have feelings for Liam."
"That's why you sabotaged my wedding gift."
"But ultimately, I'm the one who wronged you."
"I won't hold grudges."
"Here's our wedding invitation."
"Come witness our happiness."
She emphasized "happiness,"
implying Sophia's lingering attachment to Liam.
Her sidelong glance checked Ethan's reaction.
To her shock, Ethan chuckled.
"Feelings? For someone like Liam Winston?"
"That's quite the insult, Ms. Evans."
Chloe froze.
He'd openly mocked them.
Sophia eyed the invitation dispassionately,
then tore it to shreds without hesitation.
She tossed the pieces into a bin.
"No need."
"I find it distasteful."
As she reached for a sanitizing wipe,
Ethan offered a black handkerchief.
"Wipe thoroughly."
"You touched something filthy."
Isabella Robinson deliberately raised her voice.
"Exactly! Some people have no shame."
"Bad enough they bring bad vibes daily."
"Attending their wedding would curse us for a year!"
Their coordinated taunts made Chloe tremble with rage,
yet she remained powerless.
Watching Sophia's group depart
and the store blacklisting them,
Victoria finally exploded at Liam.
"You're a CEO too!"
"Why cower before Ethan Sullivan?"
Liam's voice turned icy.
"Do you want me to declare war on the Sullivans now?"
His mood clearly matched hers.
Despite his frustration,
open conflict with the Sullivans was unthinkable.
That disabled tycoon's empire spanned industries.
A true Sullivan boycott
would spell disaster for the Winstons.
Chloe quickly squeezed his hand placatingly.
"Liam, Mother didn't mean that."
"She's just upset."
She shot Victoria a warning look.
"Mom, it's just a dress."
"Our wedding matters more."
"Once I'm officially Mrs. Winston,"
"helping Liam manage the company,"
"we'll surpass the Sullivans eventually!"
Victoria coughed awkwardly,
patting Liam's shoulder.
"Of course! Our Chloe's a business prodigy."
"She'll take Winston Group to new heights."
"Liam, forgive an old woman's temper."
Liam wouldn't argue.
Years ago, Victoria had torn him and Chloe apart,
sending Chloe into an overseas marriage.
Her current approval of their union
had initially relieved him.
Yet now,
he felt inexplicable restlessness instead of anticipation.
Especially remembering Sophia's resolute expression
as she shredded that invitation.