Sophia stood at the entrance of the ballroom, her gaze searching through the crowd for Ethan.

The glow of crystal chandeliers illuminated the space. She immediately spotted him—a man who stood out effortlessly. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, a champagne flute in his slender fingers, his profile strikingly defined under the lights.

She lifted the hem of her gown and walked toward him.

Ethan seemed to sense her presence. He turned, and when he recognized her, warmth instantly lit his eyes.

"Waiting long?" He reached for her small clutch.

She shook her head. "Just arrived."

Looking up, she noticed how exceptionally handsome he looked tonight. The black suit accentuated his straight shoulders, and the sapphire on his tie clip sparkled under the lights.

Margaret Sullivan passed by with a wineglass, took one glance at their intimate moment, and walked away with a cold snort.

Ethan led her to their seats and picked up a slice of bluefin tuna sashimi, offering it to her lips. "Try this."

The fish melted in her mouth, its sweetness blooming on her tongue.

"Good?" he asked.

She nodded and was about to serve him a piece when she noticed Audrey speaking with several society ladies.

"Your mother looks beautiful tonight," she whispered.

Ethan followed her gaze, his lips curving slightly. "She adores you."

Nearby, a woman in a green cheongsam remarked to Audrey, "Your daughter-in-law seems quite demure."

Audrey sipped her champagne. "She has a gentle nature and a diligent spirit."

"Though her family background is rather... modest?" The woman's tone was pointed.

Audrey's smile cooled. "Our family doesn't need marriage alliances."

Just then, a commotion arose at the entrance.

Victor Sullivan strode in, followed by Isabella in a short blue dress.

Sophia's fingers trembled, her fork clinking against the porcelain plate.

"I didn't invite her," Ethan immediately clarified.

Isabella flitted through the guests like a butterfly, her saccharine greetings echoing around the room.

"Ethan!" She suddenly dashed toward them, her skirt fluttering.

Ethan merely nodded and tightened his grip on Sophia's hand.

Isabella's gaze lingered on their intertwined fingers before she feigned surprise. "Oh! We're wearing the same design!"

Sophia focused on her dessert, ignoring her.

"Sophia doesn't seem to like me..." Isabella pouted, playing the victim.

Ethan gestured toward a distant table. "You can sit over there."

As Isabella reluctantly walked away, Victor approached.

"Father." Sophia stood to greet him.

Victor acknowledged her with a curt nod before addressing Ethan. "Upstairs. Now."

In the study, Victor cut straight to the chase. "The Valentines are the better choice."

"I have a wife," Ethan stated calmly.

"What can she possibly offer Sullivan Group?" Victor scoffed. "If it weren't for our money three years ago—"

"Enough." Ethan cut him off. "I was the one who proposed."

Outside the door, Sophia leaned against the wall, her fingertips turning cold.

She heard Victor say, "In business, strength allies with strength. The Valentines—"

"I can't do it." Ethan's voice was resolute.

But Sophia, already at the staircase, didn't catch those words. Her legs felt weak, her vision blurring.