The award ceremony ended.

Sophia stood by the exit, her fingers absently tracing the strap of her purse.

Kyle's invitation still echoed in her ears.

She had declined.

This place held too many memories—she couldn't bear to leave.

A commotion arose in the distance.

Ethan approached, surrounded by his entourage. His tall frame, accentuated by the black suit, stood out in the crowd.

Sophia took two steps forward. "Mr. Sullivan."

He didn’t pause, only giving her a cold glance.

"I’m returning these to you." She pulled out a bank card and a jewelry box. "There’s 1.22 billion inside. The password is your birthday."

Ethan’s gaze turned icy. "I never take back what I’ve given."

"The bracelet was your grandmother’s—"

"Throw it away."

Sophia’s breath hitched.

This man was utterly...

"Can I have the wedding photos?"

"Thrown away."

"And the wedding dress your mother made for me—"

Ethan smirked. "What? Planning to wear my mother’s dress for your next wedding?"

"I just wanted to keep it as a memento." Her grip tightened on her purse. "That dress took so much effort—"

"Gone." His tone was casual.

Sophia’s chest tightened.

Such a precious dress, discarded without a second thought.

Wasteful!

"Call off the bodyguards," she said, suppressing her anger. "We’re no longer involved."

"Should I put them out of work? Will you support them?"

She fell silent.

Forcing the items into his hands, Ethan brushed her off and turned toward his car.

The jewelry box nearly slipped. Sophia barely caught it.

When she looked up, the car door was already shut.

With a sigh, she walked away.

Suddenly, a rush of wind.

Ethan lunged forward, yanking her behind him.

A skateboarder whizzed past.

Sophia’s heart pounded. "You—"

"Not watching where you’re going?" His voice was sharp. "What are your eyes for?"

"He’s skilled—"

"It’ll be too late when you’re hit."

She pressed her lips together. "Thank you."

As Ethan turned to leave, she spoke again. "Mr. Sullivan, you should work on that temper."

He froze.

"Or you’ll never find a wife." Her voice softened. "Not everyone can tolerate you like I did."

Ethan scoffed. "I could form a battalion with the women chasing me."

"Five hundred?" She arched a brow. "I’ve only seen two."

"Half my university pursued me abroad."

"What a coincidence." Sophia’s eyes curved. "I’ve received enough love letters to fill two sacks."

Ethan’s expression darkened. He slammed the car door.

His assistant hesitated. "Sir, about Ms. Laurent and Kyle—"

"Shut up."

The atmosphere in the car turned suffocating.

The past month’s surveillance reports replayed in his mind.

Kyle had visited Phoenix Cove four times.

Delivering porcelain, bringing food—Sophia accepted it all.

After three years of spoiling her, was she this easily swayed by trivial gestures?

Ethan clenched his fists.

"Drive," he ordered coldly. "Faster."

Better to never see this ungrateful woman again.