The bowl of ginseng and black chicken soup still steamed with heat.

Isabella Valentine's meticulously applied makeup melted instantly under the scalding assault.

Red oil dripped down her porcelain cheeks.

A greasy chicken claw dangled from the collar of her silk blouse.

Her carefully styled curls were strewn with scallions and goji berries.

Mascara smeared into raccoon circles, while her lipstick smudged into a grotesque clown mouth.

She looked like a female version of Zhu Bajie from Journey to the West.

Zane Riveron couldn't suppress his laughter.

That chuckle ignited Isabella's fury.

She ripped the chicken claw from her collar.

Shook her head violently, sending hair accessories flying.

Grabbed her cane and swung at Zoe Riveron. "I'll teach you a lesson today!"

Zoe dodged backward with feline grace.

Seized the cane mid-swing.

Crack!

The wooden rod struck Isabella's uninjured leg.

"Ah!"

She collapsed, gasping in pain.

Tear-filled eyes turned to Victor Sullivan. "Uncle Victor, she hit me!"

Her usual delicate weeping now resembled a slapstick comedy routine.

Victor bit back laughter as he helped her up.

"Lockie, you and Adrian are better suited."

Isabella bristled at the mention of Adrian Sullivan.

"That scumbag isn't worthy of me!"

She dialed Theodore Valentine.

"Dad, I've been humiliated!"

Theodore's roar vibrated through the phone.

"Who dares?"

"Sophia Laurent, Zoe Riveron, and Uncle Victor!"

Hanging up, Isabella lifted her chin triumphantly.

Victor's face darkened.

"Lockie, this is childish."

She pouted silently.

Sophia pinched Ethan Sullivan's palm under the table.

Ethan remained stoic.

Interlaced their fingers in secret.

Soon, Theodore and Victoria Windsor stormed in.

Seeing his daughter's state, Theodore's alcohol-flushed face purpled.

Slap!

His palm connected with Victor's cheek.

Victor saw stars.

"Theodore, have you lost your mind?"

"Your family is trash!"

Victoria dabbed at her daughter's face.

"Who did this?"

Isabella started to point at Sophia—

Ethan's glacial glare froze her.

Trembling, she redirected at Zoe.

"She threw soup on me!"

Zoe crossed her arms with a smirk.

"You swung first."

Victoria turned to Victor.

"Victor, you'll handle this."

He waved impatiently.

Zachary Riveron stepped between them.

"A misunderstanding, let's not escalate."

He tried pulling Zoe away.

She blew Ethan a kiss.

"Until next time, Mr. Sullivan."

Then flashed Sophia a saccharine smile.

"Tea soon, Ms. Laurent?"

Sophia's reply was frosty.

"Pass."

As Zoe turned—

Thud!

A vicious kick sent her sprawling.