Liam Winston's face darkened with fury.
His gaze locked onto Sophia Sullivan with burning intensity.
"This has gone too far!"
The Sophia he remembered had been gentle as morning dew.
Now she bristled like a porcupine.
Liam recalled his grandfather's blatant favoritism.
The family heirloom—the precious Blood Jade—had gone to an outsider.
His chest tightened with resentment.
"That jade belongs to the Winstons."
His words came out through gritted teeth.
"Grandfather wasn't in his right mind when he gave it away."
"It's the symbol of the Winston legacy."
His eyes turned stormy.
"Without Grandfather's protection, you're nothing."
The thought fueled his anger.
Sophia had flourished after their divorce.
All thanks to the old man's secret financial support.
Three short years.
His grandfather's affection had transferred completely.
Chloe Evans clung to Liam's arm.
"Sophia," she cooed, "keeping stolen heirlooms brings bad karma."
"Grandfather Winston is getting frail."
"You've always been...reasonable."
Malice flickered behind her sweet smile.
Since the birthday banquet disaster,
Mrs. Winston treated her like vermin.
The patriarch openly despised her.
Only by manipulating Liam could she maintain her position.
She needed that jade.
To intimidate those circling illegitimate heirs.
Sophia adjusted her contestant badge without glancing up.
She secured her goggles.
Polished her ice skates with methodical strokes.
Ignoring them entirely.
"Disgusting."
Her voice could freeze lava.
"Grandfather's decisions aren't yours to question."
Liam's fists clenched.
"I knew you were after our fortune!"
Isabella Robinson's temper flared.
She stepped forward—
And found her path blocked by a smiling figure.
Julian Roscente stood with effortless grace.
Isabella arched an eyebrow.
"Playing knight in shining armor, Mr. Roscente?"
"Merely protecting a friend."
The Radiant Beauty CEO radiate charm.
A-City's most eligible bachelor.
Yet his gaze settled on Liam.
"Know when to quit, Winston."
His smile turned dangerous.
"My psychiatric evaluation makes for fascinating reading."
"My bodyguards enjoy...creative interpretations of the law."
Five muscular men materialized.
Steel pipes in hand.
Liam's spine prickled with warning.
Chloe tugged his sleeve.
"The competition's starting."
Julian Roscente wasn't an enemy they could afford.
The prize money meant nothing.
But the corporate prestige mattered.
Liam swallowed his pride.
"Let's go."
They retreated with hurried steps.
Julian turned to Isabella.
His smile returning to its usual brilliance.
"Friends now?"
Their last meeting had been a family-arranged blind date.
His anxiety attack ruined everything.
He'd wanted to apologize for months.
Isabella's lips curved suddenly.
"Friends?"
Her stiletto crushed his foot with precision.
Julian hissed in pain.
She linked arms with Sophia.
"You swore off marriage, Roscente."
"Good. I don't befriend friendless men."
They strode toward the rink.
Leaving Julian massaging his injured foot.
"Vicious."
A new thought struck him.
How the hell did Ethan Sullivan tame these women?