Yao Xi froze in place.
When had he learned to restore videos?
But with Ethan Sullivan's command, he had no choice but to step forward. "Retrieving the surveillance footage from the Winston Estate will take time. Perhaps I could attempt to restore this video first?"
Liam Winston's expression darkened.
Ethan's confidence made him uneasy.
If the video was indeed fabricated, he would be humiliated today.
Ethan's arrival intensified the tension in the room.
His blatant defense of Sophia Sullivan sparked whispers among the guests.
Someone pulled up an old news article on their phone—Ethan's public declaration in front of Breeze Perfumes headquarters:
"I've been pursuing Miss Sullivan, but she hasn't agreed yet."
The murmurs grew louder.
"Why is Mr. Sullivan protecting Miss Sullivan like this?"
"Don't you see? She was the victim in that livestream incident."
"The Winstons have messed with the wrong person this time."
Everyone knew Ethan kept his distance from women.
Yet now, the one he openly defended was Sophia.
Sophia remained composed. "There's no need to restore the video."
She met Liam's gaze. "You know exactly who's in it, Mr. Winston."
She gave Ethan a subtle shake of her head.
Mr. Winston Sr. had just taken his medication, and his emotions had finally stabilized.
If he learned his daughter-in-law had conspired to seize the family assets, his condition might relapse.
Sometimes, ignorance was bliss for the elderly.
Mrs. Winston paled at the mention of uncovering the truth.
She hurried forward, reaching for Sophia's hand. "This is all a misunderstanding. With Mr. Sullivan's testimony, it couldn't have been you."
Sophia sidestepped her touch without a word.
Mrs. Winston's smile stiffened. "Since Mr. Sullivan has spoken, perhaps we don't need to check the surveillance."
Her desperation to smooth things over was obvious as she shifted blame.
"Someone must be jealous, trying to drive a wedge between us."
"I've always treated you like my own daughter. Please don't take this to heart."
Her anxiety was too transparent.
The female secretary nearby seized the moment. "Since Mr. Sullivan is willing to assist, why not get to the bottom of this?"
Mrs. Winston shot her a venomous glare.
Sophia's main concern was Mr. Winston Sr.'s health.
But to her surprise, the elderly man slowly rose to his feet.
His aged eyes, filled with remorse, settled on Sophia.
He patted her shoulder gently. "I'm sorry you had to endure this."
Family scandals shouldn't be aired in public.
But today's matter demanded resolution.
Mr. Winston Sr. turned to Ethan. "I've long heard of the exceptional talents under your leadership, Mr. Sullivan."
"If your assistant possesses such skills, we'd appreciate his help in uncovering the truth."
His words were diplomatic—a request to review the restored video at a later time.
"It's getting late, and everyone must be tired. Let's call it a night."
He made a move to bow in apology, but the guests quickly stopped him.
"You honor us too much, Mr. Winston. Today is your celebration."
"This wasn't your fault."
The guests tactfully took their leave.
Family matters were best handled privately.
Sophia frowned. "Mr. Winston, your trust is all I need—"
The old man shook his head firmly. "We must get to the truth!"
Seeing no way out, Ethan instructed Yao Xi. "Do as Mr. Winston says."
Yao Xi exhaled in relief.
At least he wouldn't have to perform this charisma live.
He could enlist the tech team's help later.
Mrs. Winston's face turned ashen. "Mr. Sullivan, really, there's no need—"
Her voice trembled.