Sophia's cheek burned with stinging pain.
Her mind went completely blank.
Tears welled up instantly in her eyes.
"Mrs. Winston...how could you accuse me like this?" She covered her reddening cheek, voice trembling with hurt.
Yet inwardly, she seethed with hatred.
This plan had backfired spectacularly.
Instead of eliminating two rivals at once, she'd walked straight into the fire.
Mrs. Winston's glare could have poisoned water.
Even Mr. Winston Sr. watched coldly without intervening.
She remembered better days.
When she and Liam had first fallen in love.
The old patriarch had treated her with courtesy then.
But everything changed after Sophia Sullivan married into the Winston family.
The old man's favoritism became blatant.
He'd skipped their wedding ceremony entirely.
Now he sought to strip Liam of his authority.
Regret twisted in Chloe's gut.
Yet she maintained her pitiful facade.
"Liam, you have to believe me..." She turned tear-filled eyes toward him.
That look always worked on Liam.
Mr. Winston Sr. struck his cane against the floor with a sharp crack.
"You came here to disgrace my household!" His voice shook with anger.
His piercing gaze swept across the room.
"Sophia repeatedly tried to mediate."
"All to preserve the Winston family's dignity."
"And this is how you repay her kindness?"
The old man swayed slightly from rage.
Sophia steadied him immediately.
"Grandfather, be careful."
Regaining his balance, his expression turned glacial.
Only then did Liam realize his mistake.
"Grandfather, I didn't mean—"
"Enough!" The patriarch cut him off sharply.
He closed his eyes briefly.
When they reopened, his gaze had softened considerably.
He patted Sophia's hand gently.
Then turned to Ethan.
"I've lived long enough to recognize character."
"Mr. Sullivan, I entrust Sophia to your care." Emotion thickened his voice.
This woman should have remained a Winston.
If only his worthless grandson hadn't—
Three years ago flashed through his mind.
Sophia had saved his life.
And cared for him tirelessly ever since.
He'd come to regard her as his own granddaughter.
"As long as I draw breath..."
"I remain her staunchest ally."
His grip tightened on the cane.
The Winston family owed this young woman far too much.
Sophia blinked in surprise.
"Grandfather, there's been a misunderstanding—"
Before she could explain, Ethan stepped forward.
"I'll take good care of Sophia." His deep voice carried conviction.
"She's...special to me."
Sophia's heartbeat stuttered.
That didn't sound like mere politeness.
Mr. Winston Sr. nodded approvingly.
He signaled the butler with a glance.
"Bring the brocade box."
The elderly servant returned promptly with an ornate wooden case.
Gasps filled the room when he opened it.
Inside lay a piece of blood jade.
Rich crimson hues shimmered through its translucent depths.
The Winston family's most treasured heirloom.
"I intended to gift this on your birthday." The patriarch traced the jade's surface.
"Never imagined you'd leave our family so soon."
His eyes grew suspiciously bright.
"Keep it."
"If ever you face difficulties, present this to me."
Mr. Winston Jr. shot to his feet.
"Father! Have you lost your senses?"
His finger trembled as he pointed at the jade.
"That's our ancestral treasure!"