Sophie Roscente's pupils constricted the moment she spotted Gavin Valentine.

She strode past him without acknowledgment, her stilettos clicking sharply as she marched toward Ethan Roscente.

"Brother!" Her voice trembled. "Have you lost your mind? Letting your wife work in a place like this? If Grandma Blanche finds out—"

Ethan set down his wineglass with deliberate calm.

The temperature in the private room seemed to plummet when his glacial gaze lifted.

"What kind of place?" he countered.

Sophie's chest heaved with indignation.

She jabbed a finger toward Jenna Roland, her tone shrill. "She's basically an escort girl! How can you even ask that?"

Ethan's eyes turned razor-sharp.

"She sells beverages," he enunciated, each word dripping with warning. "Don't project your filthy assumptions onto others."

The words detonated like a bomb in the tense silence.

Jenna's fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her blouse.

She hadn't expected Ethan to defend her so fiercely.

Sophie's face darkened. "Beverages? Spare me the euphemisms! What's the difference between her and those escorts? If our family's reputation—"

"Enough!"

Ethan slammed his palm on the table, making everyone jump.

The room froze.

Sophie stumbled back half a step, lips quivering.

"Brother..." Her voice wavered. "I'm thinking of the Roscente family. If she quits now, I'll pretend this never happened."

His piercing stare swept over Vanessa Galatea and Tracy Atlante, making them shrink back.

Looming over his sister, Ethan radiated terrifying dominance.

"I said she sells beverages," he icily repeated. "Spread one more rumor, and you'll regret it."

Tears welled in Sophie's eyes.

She couldn't believe her own brother would treat her this way.

"Fine. Just fine." Whirling around, she spat through clenched teeth, "Let's go!"

Jenna hurried after her.

"Sophie," she intercepted the furious woman, "I know this job upsets you, but I have my reasons."

Vanessa sneered nearby. "Reasons? You're a pathological liar. Who'd believe you now?"

Jenna paled instantly.

Sophie whirled to face her. "Then tell me. What's this so-called reason?"

Her fists clenched.

If Jenna could provide a legitimate explanation, she might reconsider.

But if this was another deception...

She'd never allow such a woman to remain connected to the Roscentes!