Ethan Sullivan checked his wristwatch, his gaze coolly sweeping over Victor Sullivan. "How rare for the busy Chairman Sullivan to grace us with his presence."

Sophia Laurent's lips curved slightly.

Who would have thought the man who once made her life difficult would now voluntarily attend her father's exhibition?

The irony was almost surreal.

Victor beamed as he leaned closer. "Sophia, I've always known you were a good girl. Now with the Laurent family connection, you're even more remarkable."

Sophia took a subtle step back. "Mr. Sullivan, Ethan and I are divorced. 'Father' isn't appropriate anymore."

Victor's smile froze.

The trio reached the exhibition center.

Vincent Laurent was conversing with several collectors. He nodded at their approach.

"Mr. Laurent," Victor extended his hand first, "your daughter's exhibition is truly impressive."

Vincent gave a polite handshake. "You flatter me, Chairman Sullivan."

A bystander inquired curiously, "Isn't Ms. Laurent the Sullivans' daughter-in-law?"

Sophia smiled gracefully. "That's history."

Ethan's eyes darkened. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped at her warning glance.

The crowd exchanged glances. Someone sighed, "You two seemed so perfect together. How could—"

Victor quickly intervened, "Young people often divorce impulsively. But their feelings remain—reconciliation is inevitable."

Sophia nearly laughed aloud.

This level of audacity deserved an award.

Ethan cleared his throat. "Chairman Sullivan, did you forget to bring something today?"

Vincent set down his teacup, speaking deliberately. "My daughter is accomplished and virtuous. Any sincere suitor may discuss marriage prospects with me."

Ethan's grip on his cup tightened instantly.

Sophia discreetly texted him: Play along.

Victor grew agitated. "Mr. Laurent, there's no need for such formality. These two clearly—"

Vincent interrupted, "You weren't nearly as courteous when tearing them apart, Chairman Sullivan."

Victor fell silent, thoroughly rebuked.

In a corner, Adrian Sullivan observed coldly.

He dialed his assistant. "Investigate Sophia's biological mother. Immediately."

The assistant hesitated. "But—"

"Focus on Vincent Laurent's romantic history from twenty years ago." Adrian's eyes narrowed. "I want to know the truth about this sudden daughter."

Hanging up, Adrian adjusted his collar and headed toward the lounge.

"Father. Ethan. What a coincidence." His smile was impeccable.

The atmosphere chilled instantly.

Isabella Valentine's saccharine voice pierced through. "Adrian, you didn't wait for me~"

Sophia massaged her temples.

This woman was truly relentless.

Isabella clung to Adrian's arm while staring fixedly at Ethan. "Ethan, long time no see."

Ethan didn't grant her a glance.

Turning to Sophia, Isabella feigned sweetness. "Congratulations. The gutter rat became a phoenix."

Before Sophia could respond, Ethan said coldly, "Keep quiet if you can't speak properly."

Isabella pouted. "Adrian—"

Adrian shook her off. "Mind your manners."

Vincent frowned in distaste. "Chairman Sullivan, control your future daughter-in-law's tongue."

Victor coughed awkwardly. "Isabella, you should leave."

Trembling with rage, Isabella spat, "You—you're all bullying me!"

She stomped her foot and fled the gallery in tears.

Adrian watched her retreat, his gaze ominous.

This farce was only beginning.