Sophia Sullivan didn't answer Ethan Sullivan's question directly.
A faint smile played on her lips as she spoke casually.
"Rankings don't matter to me."
"I prefer to rely on my own abilities."
Her gaze swept past Chloe Evans, laced with subtle sarcasm.
"I'm just here for fun."
Ethan chuckled in response.
Their unspoken understanding made everything clear.
Sophia was still holding back.
This woman always made him want to uncover her secrets.
His lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Then I wish you immediate victory, Ms. Sullivan."
His tone lifted with implicit meaning.
This competition probably meant nothing to her.
Their intimate exchange didn't escape Liam Winston's notice.
His expression darkened instantly.
The woman who once followed him like a shadow.
Now stood so comfortably with another man.
It irritated him beyond measure.
Even divorced, Sophia had once belonged to him.
Chloe clung to his arm.
"Liam, we should go prepare."
She sensed his tension.
Deliberately tightening her grip to mark territory.
But Sophia had already turned away.
Without sparing them a glance.
Staff guided Ethan toward the VIP section.
Sophia headed for the SVIP lounge.
Isabella Robinson narrowed her eyes mischievously.
"When did you get so close with Ethan Sullivan?"
She reached to pinch Sophia's cheek.
"Keeping secrets from me?"
Mimicking Ethan's tone.
"Immediate victory~"
Sophia calmly caught her wrist.
"We're just acquaintances."
Her voice remained steady.
"Don't worry, you're still my favorite."
Isabella grinned triumphantly.
"Of course! I'm the main character here!"
Their playful banter grated on Liam's nerves.
Especially after watching Ethan leave.
His inexplicable anger and possessiveness peaked.
Shoving Chloe aside, he stormed forward.
"You and Ethan aren't strangers, are you?"
His fists clenched, eyes sharp.
"When did this start?"
Suppressed rage colored his words.
"No wonder you've been so bold—found your next target!"
Sophia frowned in disgust.
"There's nothing between us."
Her gaze turned icy.
"Unlike you and Chloe, still entangled for everyone to see."
Her tone dripped with scorn.
"If you're not embarrassed, I'm disgusted."
She met Liam's glare directly.
"We're divorced. What right do you have to question me?"
Sophia's cold detachment hit like a physical blow.
Whispers rose around them.
Isabella didn't hold back.
"You're the stain on Sophia's life!"
She rolled her eyes.
"Stop embarrassing yourself."
Throwing his words back at him.
"Your pathetic games won't work on her!"
Covering her nose in exaggerated distaste.
"Sophia, let's go."
"Being near trash is nauseating."
Liam's face turned livid.
His chest tightened as if crushed by stone.
Chloe winced at his bruising grip but stayed silent.
Jealousy burned hotter.
How dare Sophia compete with her?
"Don't be upset, Liam."
She soothed softly.
"I'll make the top ten."
Squeezing his hand tightly.
"Once we partner with Radiant Beauty Group, everything will be perfect."