"My mental fortitude is unshakable. Even if the whole world goes mad, I'll remain sane." Isabella Valentine lifted her chin and strode out in her high heels.

She had dressed meticulously today.

The tea-green cashmere dress hugged her slender waist, while nude stockings encased her long legs. Gemstone earrings swayed gently with each step.

Her makeup was so flawless it seemed meant for an awards ceremony.

Clearly not here for bowling.

Outside the club, dusk settled in. The blood-red sunset painted half the sky.

A bitter wind howled past as Isabella tightened her coat. Northern winters cut to the bone.

Her exposed legs trembled from the cold.

Just as her driver pulled up, a black luxury car screeched to a halt before her.

The window rolled down, revealing Adrian Sullivan's stormy expression.

"Get in." His tone brooked no refusal.

Isabella frowned. "What do you want?"

Adrian sneered. "When you need me, it's 'Adrian dear.' When you don't, even basic courtesy disappears?"

Reluctantly, she slid into the car.

The door barely closed before Adrian seized her chin.

His gaze traveled down her body, lingering on her stocking-clad legs.

"Dressed like a slut—who are you trying to seduce?" His fingers crept up her thigh.

Isabella shoved his hand away. "Don't touch me."

Adrian twisted her wrist. "Chasing after Ethan Sullivan while refusing to break our engagement. Quite the strategist."

"You've been following me?" Her eyes widened.

"My fiancée keeps throwing herself at another man. Should I ignore it?" He yanked her closer, his breath hot against her neck.

She turned her face away. "I came to see Vincent Laurent and Sophia. They don't look like father and daughter at all."

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You noticed too?"

"Sophia's just some country bumpkin, yet now she's the Laurent heiress. What a joke." Bitterness laced her words.

He twirled a lock of her hair. "I ran two paternity tests. The results were completely opposite."

Isabella suddenly laughed. "I swapped the first hair sample."

Adrian's expression darkened.

"I saw your man pluck Sophia's hair, so I replaced it with mine." She smirked. "Using my hair with Vincent Laurent's, of course it wouldn't show a match."

Veins bulged at Adrian's temples.

"You idiot!" He gripped her waist painfully. "You ruined everything!"

"Let go!" She winced.

His smile turned cruel. "Since you love playing games, tonight will teach you a lesson."

To the driver: "The riverfront."

"No!" Isabella struggled.

"Refuse, and the engagement's off."

That silenced her.

The car sped toward Riverside Drive.

The driver discreetly exited.

Adrian ripped her stockings, movements brutal.

Isabella gasped but soon succumbed.

Afterward, he straightened his suit while she lay disheveled.

"Cold..." She curled into herself.

Adrian ignored her, dragging her toward the woods.

The snow-covered ground burned like ice.

She tried to flee but he pinned her down.

"Dirty..." she protested.

"You're filthier than this snow." His laugh was icy.

Distant bodyguards stood with their backs turned, deaf to her plight.

At home, Isabella stood under scalding water for an eternity.

In bed, emptiness consumed her.

She retrieved a burner phone and texted Ethan: [I still love you.]

Sophia saw the message and replied coldly: [How much?]

[I'd do anything for you!] came the instant response.

[Then break off your engagement with Adrian.]

Isabella's fingers shook with excitement: [Just say the word and I'll do it!]

Sophia's lips curled. [Are you worthy?]

[Ethan?] Confusion colored the reply.

[This is Sophia.]

The words struck like lightning.

Sophia screenshot the exchange and sent copies to Victor Sullivan and Adrian.

Adrian's call came instantly: "Isabella Valentine, you're utterly shameless!"

Victor's reprimand followed: "Disgraceful!"

Isabella clutched her phone, trembling.

Humiliation and fury collided as she hurled the device against the wall.

"Sophia Laurent!" She spat the name through gritted teeth. "This isn't over!"