Sophia Sullivan glared at Liam Winston with righteous indignation.
"Even though you're divorced, you were once married. How could you stand by and laugh while he got beaten? That's heartless!"
Her words came out sharper than usual, laced with bitter jealousy.
Sophia had lived the privileged life that should have been hers. She'd expected Sophia to fall into misery after the divorce—homeless, even. But instead, everything had backfired.
Chloe Evans had gained nothing but humiliation since aligning with Liam—public apologies, forced river plunges, endless bad luck.
"Your behavior is disgraceful."
Jealousy loosened her tongue. The worst part? Even the notoriously unpredictable Ethan Sullivan had stepped in to defend Sophia.
Ethan's eyes darkened dangerously.
"If you want to die, jumping off a building would be quicker."
His voice was low, velvet-wrapped steel.
"Ms. Sullivan is my niece's pottery instructor. Spread one more rumor, and you'll regret how many limbs you have left."
Normally, Ethan wouldn't bother with warnings. But this involved Sophia. He couldn't stand the thought of her reputation being tarnished.
Liam, humiliated beyond reason, snapped.
"Pottery instructor? Who knows what she really teaches—ceramics or bedroom tricks? You must be desperate to take my sloppy seconds. Back when she—"
He froze mid-sentence.
A realization struck him. His head jerked up toward Sophia.
"Wait—is that why you two seem so familiar? Did you trade favors for that sponsorship deal at Sullivan Group?"
Crack!
Sophia's palm connected with Liam's face. His cheek swelled instantly.
"I worked myself to the bone saving Winston Group while you drowned in alcohol. Your grandfather begged me to step in!"
Her gaze could freeze hell over.
"If I hadn't waited hours at Sullivan Group to secure that deal, you'd be homeless!"
Chloe opened her mouth to protest but choked under Sophia's glare. Ice crawled down her spine. Those eyes promised death.
"Instead of thanking me for saving your fortune, you slander me? Sounds like projection—are you the one trading flesh for favors?"
The slap left Liam dizzy, ears ringing.
The winter wind cut through his rage, clearing his head slightly. But his face remained stormy.
In that moment, he knew—he'd gone too far.