Sophia Sullivan's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Her voice trembled with emotion.
"Just because I'm with Liam, you've been targeting me relentlessly."
She started the confrontation yet wept like a delicate flower.
To onlookers, Sophia appeared to be the villain.
Except for Liam Winston, the crowd watched coldly.
Liam helped Chloe Evans to her feet.
They clung to each other like star-crossed lovers.
Nothing infuriated him more than reminders of the wedding incident.
Sophia's words turned his face ashen.
"Sophia Sullivan, stop spouting nonsense."
His gaze raked over her Chanel black and gold gown.
The haute couture piece cost a fortune.
Ethan Sullivan and the young master of the Lawrence family stood protectively behind her.
Rage burned in Liam's chest.
In his mind, Sophia remained the woman who once adored him.
Yet mere months after their divorce, men flocked to her side.
"Some women climb their way up, yet can't even afford decent jewelry."
His eyes fixed on the serpentine necklace around her throat.
The piece bore no recognizable brand.
Liam assumed it was counterfeit.
He seized this perceived weakness.
"Mr. Sullivan brings you as his date but won't even buy you proper accessories?"
Sophia narrowed her eyes.
She contemplated which angle would make her slap hurt most.
Liam grew bolder.
"If I'd known you'd become this shameless—"
Before he could finish, Ian Watson struck.
In one fluid motion, she grabbed Liam's wrist and executed a perfect over-the-shoulder throw.
"That necklace is a Sullivan heirloom. Choose your words carefully, Mr. Winston."
Liam crashed onto the marble floor.
Pain radiated through his body as if his organs had shifted.
His previously injured fingers throbbed anew.
Cold sweat drenched his forehead.
The crowd gasped at Ian's intervention.
But everyone knew she was Ethan's personal assistant.
This action undoubtedly had his silent approval.
Stars danced before Liam's vision.
Fury scorched his veins.
Pride forgotten, he craved retaliation.
"Don't push me too far!"
Julian Roscente stepped forward with a diplomatic smile.
"Now now, Mr. Winston. Let's not take jokes too seriously."
His words carried hidden meaning.
"With so many distinguished guests present, the auction will begin shortly."
"Surely you don't wish to make a spectacle of yourself?"
Ever the politician, Julian masked threats with pleasantries.
Liam's expression darkened.
"His people attacked first. How is this my fault?"
He staggered upright.
This confrontation meant openly opposing Ethan Sullivan.
But with the auction imminent, he couldn't afford to slight Julian.
Ethan looked down at him with icy detachment.
"Oh, it's very much your fault."
His smile didn't reach his piercing gaze.
"That necklace belonged to my late mother."
Ethan's calm tone carried undeniable authority.
"Insult it again, and you'll face the consequences."
Silence blanketed the room.
Those familiar with the Sullivan legacy inhaled sharply.
Whispers about Mrs. Sullivan's heirlooms had circulated for years.
That serpentine necklace held immeasurable significance.