Ryan stepped forward.
He stopped beside Sophia.
His gaze swept over Liam and Chloe with undisguised contempt.
"My relationship with Sophia is none of your concern."
He had thoroughly investigated Sophia's past three years in A-City.
Including her marriage to Liam.
He knew exactly how blind Liam had been.
"Didn't you keep Chloe a secret when you married Sophia?" Ryan's tone dripped with sarcasm.
"Chloe moved into the Winston estate before the divorce. Sophia never made a fuss, yet you dare provoke her now?"
His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were icy.
Ethan handed Sophia a handkerchief.
The pristine silk was embroidered with delicate bamboo.
A faint, soothing fragrance lingered in the air.
"Dirty things do leave a stain."
He didn't even glance at Liam.
But the weight of his words made Liam's spine stiffen.
The crowd remained silent, understanding the unspoken tension.
Seeing her provocation fail, Chloe turned on Sophia.
"Sophia, I only stayed at the Winston estate temporarily..."
She feigned innocence.
"Unlike you with so many friends, you probably hated me for it—even stealing my wedding gift..."
Slap!
The crisp sound of the strike echoed.
Chloe clutched her stinging cheek, eyes wide.
"You hit me?"
Her act shattered as pain flared across her face.
Sophia flexed her wrist.
"Just felt like it."
Her tone was casual.
"I only slapped him earlier. Guess that gave you the nerve to speak up."
Chloe trembled with rage.
"Sophia Sullivan!"
She raised her hand to retaliate.
But Sophia caught her wrist effortlessly.
Immobilizing her.
"That dress was mine first."
Sophia stated calmly.
A mocking smile played on her lips.
"Your mother insisted on taking it, demanding we give it up."
She tightened her grip slightly.
Chloe winced, sweat beading on her forehead.
"Should I have the surveillance footage played on loop at Times Square?"
Chloe stayed silent.
She knew Sophia would do it.
"Let go!"
"As you wish."
Sophia released her abruptly.
Chloe stumbled and fell hard.
Her tailbone throbbed.
The surrounding stares burned like needles.
Her eyes welled with tears instantly.
Sophia looked down at her.
"Speaking of wedding gifts..."
She chuckled.
"I remember the generous gift your ex-husband gave at your wedding."
Chloe paled.
Humiliation and fury twisted her features.
Tears spilled over.
"Sophia! You did this on purpose!"