Sophia stood at the doorway, her nails digging into her palms.

In the living room, Isabella pressed herself against Ethan, her crimson lips nearly brushing his chin.

"Sophia?" Isabella turned with feigned surprise, covering her mouth.

Ethan shoved her away and staggered to his feet.

Sophia spun on her heel and left.

Her heels clicked rapidly against the marble floor in a chaotic rhythm.

The night wind hit her face, carrying the chill of early spring.

The chauffeur caught up and opened the car door. "Madam, Mr. Sullivan asked me to drive you home."

Only after settling into the seat did Sophia notice her trembling hands.

Watching the trees blur past the window, she suddenly laughed.

So this was why he'd summoned her.

To witness firsthand how eagerly he'd moved on.

Back in the villa, Ethan massaged his temples. "That was deliberate."

"It was an accident—" Isabella's eyes welled up.

"Enough." His voice cut like ice. "Don't insult my intelligence."

Tears spilled down Isabella's cheeks. "Ethan..."

"Go home." Exhaustion weighed his words. "Don't pull this again."

At noon the next day, Sophia received Ethan's credit card.

"Mr. Sullivan said the PIN is your birthday."

She pushed it back. "Tell him I don't need compensation."

Exiting Antique Treasures, she collided with Isabella cradling white roses.

"Talk?" Isabella smiled sweetly.

In the bistro, Isabella stroked the petals. "Twenty white roses. Ethan says they symbolize eternal devotion."

Sophia's grip tightened around her coffee cup.

Three years of marriage, and he'd never given her a single bloom.

"We grew up togeth—"

"Get to the point." Sophia's voice turned glacial.

Isabella smirked. "No more acting? You were so patient around Ethan."

"Miss Valentine," Sophia met her gaze, "do your parents know you're proud of being a homewrecker?"

Isabella's face darkened as she slammed a check on the table. "Twenty million. Leave Ethan."

Sophia glanced at it. "Does your father know you're using his money to play mistress?"

"You!" Isabella shot up. "Who does a country bumpkin think she's fooling?"

Sophia snatched the check and flung it in her face. "Take your dirty money and get out."

Isabella lunged with a shriek.

A shadow intercepted—someone yanked her back violently.

SMACK!

The resounding slap left her cheek flaming red.