Sophia Sullivan's lips curved into a faint smile.
She remembered her grandfather's teachings—integrity carried the weight of a thousand pounds.
As CEO of Winston Group, Liam Winston should have understood this principle better than anyone.
Liam's face flushed crimson, as if someone had gripped his throat.
Ethan Sullivan lazily stroked the cat in his arms.
"I despise those who break their promises," he remarked casually.
His gaze swept over Liam. "My assistant will need to thoroughly review Winston Group's contracts for any discrepancies."
Liam paled instantly.
The new luxury boutique relied entirely on Sullivan Group's prestige.
A scandal now would be catastrophic.
Chloe Evans gently tugged his sleeve.
"Endure it for now," she whispered urgently. "Later, we'll—"
Liam clenched his jaw so hard his teeth ached.
He pulled Chloe down with him as he knelt.
Their knees hit the floor with a heavy thud.
"Forgive us," he ground out, forehead pressed to the ground. "We were wrong."
The words were barely audible, forced through gritted teeth.
Sophia leaned forward slightly.
"Does the Winston Group CEO have a sore throat?" Her tone dripped with mock concern. "Such a quiet apology?"
Liam jerked his head up, ready to retort—
Only to meet Ethan's glacial stare.
Those eyes, colder than winter frost, made his blood run cold.
"Forgive us! We were wrong!"
This time, the words exploded from him.
Liam's ears burned scarlet, veins bulging in his neck.
Chloe followed suit, kowtowing with equal fervor.
Hatred simmered in her downcast eyes.
After three ceremonial bows, Sophia settled back into her chair.
She meticulously arranged her carving tools.
As if the two groveling figures were nothing but air.
"You may leave now."
Chloe staggered to her feet.
Never in her privileged life had she suffered such humiliation.
Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms.
Who knew Sophia could climb her way into Ethan Sullivan's bed?
"Since sister found new companionship," Chloe forced a sweet smile, "won't you introduce him? Rumor says he's a model?"
Honeyed words laced with venom.
A perfect trap to expose Sophia's true colors.
Sophia didn't even glance up from her work.
"Just a model." Her voice remained flat. "What's done is done."