A faint, fleeting smirk touched Sophia’s lips as she leaned into Victoria’s embrace.

Victoria grasped Sophia’s hand firmly, pulling her along with urgent determination.

Sophia struggled to match Victoria’s pace, her breath coming in uneven gasps. Despite this, she maintained a serene smile and murmured softly, “Please, let’s slow down. I don’t want you to stumble.”

Victoria seemed oblivious to Sophia’s concern. Visions of Isabella and Lucas, along with their three-year-old child, fueled her rising fury. She was desperate to confront Ethan and demand the truth immediately.

The grand Hawthorne Residence stood imposingly before them. Upon arrival, the butler, Henry Wilson, approached swiftly. “Mrs. Blackwood, Miss Reed, welcome.” He moved to call for Ethan when footsteps echoed from the grand entrance.

Ethan had returned.

Dressed in a sharp dark gray suit that emphasized his lean frame, Ethan looked both weary and commanding. Though fatigue shadowed his eyes, his presence remained authoritative.

Victoria’s temper exploded at the sight of him. Releasing Sophia’s hand abruptly, she marched straight to Ethan, her voice sharp with accusation. “Ethan! Explain yourself! What is this mess with Isabella?”

Ethan’s brow furrowed in confusion. He was taken aback by both her tone and the unexpected question. “Mother, why are you so agitated? What’s going on?”

Her sneer was cutting. “You’re asking me? Tell me, Ethan. Did Isabella cheat on you? Did she have a child with Lucas?”

Ethan’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “What ridiculous nonsense are you talking about?”

At that moment, Sophia moved closer to Victoria, gently tugging her sleeve and whispering, “Please, try to stay calm. Talk to him without anger.”

Victoria turned to Sophia, her face contorted with distress. After a deep breath, she regained some composure. Pointing toward Sophia, she turned back to Ethan. “Look at how wonderful Sophia is. She’s gentle, virtuous, and perfectly mannered. When will you finally marry her and put our minds at ease?”

Ethan’s gaze briefly flickered to Sophia before addressing his mother. “Mother, I will handle my own affairs.”

Victoria’s temper flared again. “Handle them? And how has that worked out? Isabella has deceived you! She bore another man’s child, yet you still defend her!”

Ethan’s expression darkened, his lips pressed into a tight line as he refused to respond.

Tears welled in Sophia’s eyes as she whispered, “Please, stop arguing. This is all my fault…”

Victoria pulled Sophia into a protective embrace, shooting a stern glare at Ethan. “You’ve disappointed me! I insist you divorce Isabella and marry Sophia immediately!”

The atmosphere in the living room grew thick and oppressive.

“Mother, I will handle it. Please, go back and rest.”

Victoria’s anger intensified at his calm dismissal. “What kind of attitude is that? I’m only worried about you, and you—”

“Mrs. Blackwood…” Sophia interrupted softly, halting Victoria’s words. “Ethan must have his reasons. Let’s go now. We shouldn’t make this harder for him.”

Sophia spoke gently, still tugging at Victoria’s sleeve.

Victoria felt a pang, moved by Sophia’s apparent sensibility and consideration. She sighed heavily and turned back to Ethan, her voice heavy with resignation. “Ethan, you are on your own. Take care.” With those final words, she turned to leave.

Just as Sophia began to follow, Ethan’s cold voice stopped her.

She paused and turned back, her expression one of pure confusion.

“Regarding what Vanessa and Sophie did, were you involved?”