"They'll have the perfect opportunity to clean up the mess when things escalate."
Ethan Sullivan had no intention of interfering with Sophia Sullivan's affairs.
But Mrs. Winston and Chloe Evans' scheme was transparent to him at a glance.
Their clumsy tactics were downright nauseating.
"What kind of people—"
Mrs. Winston froze.
Chloe followed Ethan's gaze.
A group of men in black stood not far away.
They knew Ethan wielded immense power, but they hadn't expected him to travel with so many bodyguards.
A man with connections in both the underworld and high society—his security detail was likely composed of ruthless individuals.
"Mr. Sullivan, you've misunderstood."
Chloe clenched her fingers, her voice still soft and innocent.
"We're just worried about Liam. That's all."
Sophia stood nearby, the corner of her lips curling imperceptibly.
Ethan's lies always carried an intimidating weight.
Those men in black were clearly sent to monitor Isabella Robinson and Julian Roscente's date.
Unaware of the truth, Mrs. Winston paled in fear.
"Y-yes, Mr. Sullivan. We truly meant no harm."
She had heard too many rumors about Ethan.
It was said that a hitman who crossed him once was found dead overseas the next day.
The corpse had been mutilated beyond recognition.
Mrs. Winston shuddered, her attitude softening.
"Sophia—"
She forced an ugly smile.
Sophia took a step forward.
Her expression was calm, yet it radiated an aura that sent chills down the spine.
Mrs. Winston instinctively raised her hands to shield her face.
"What do you think you're doing in broad daylight?"
"Nothing." Sophia's voice was icy. "Now that your little act is over, get lost."
Mrs. Winston met her gaze.
Those eyes were like frozen steel, piercing and terrifying.
"What's going on?"
Isabella's voice suddenly cut through the tension.
She had doubled back and, upon seeing the two women kneeling, instantly understood.
They were harassing Sophia again.
They had even followed her here.
Isabella's temper flared.
She strode forward and slapped Chloe across the face.
Smack!
Unlike Sophia, she preferred direct action.
Chloe's ears rang from the impact, her mind blank with shock.
Isabella shook her stinging hand.
"Still haunting us like a bad smell? Need me to refresh your memory?"
Clutching her cheek, Chloe's eyes welled with tears.
"You—you dare hit me?"
She knew Isabella was bold, but she hadn't expected such brutality.
Isabella turned to Mrs. Winston.
"Oh? Trying to play the elder card now?"
Mrs. Winston's face twisted with rage.
"You—!"
Isabella scoffed.
"'You' what?" Her eyes sharpened. "Anyone who touches Sophia will answer to me."