“I thought Sophia was Ethan’s beloved. Why isn’t he here himself?”

“Maybe it was all just rumors.”

The whispers cut through Sophia like shards of glass. Her cheeks burned with humiliation. She took a sharp breath, forcing her composure to remain intact.

She turned to Benjamin, her voice low but firm. “Where is Ethan? Why didn’t he come?”

Benjamin’s expression was carefully neutral, tinged with a hint of apology. “Mr. Blackwood had an urgent matter to attend to.”

“What urgent matter?” The words were practically bitten off, her teeth clenched.

She had poured her soul into planning this birthday banquet. She had imagined his arrival a thousand times. Instead, she was met with this public rejection. This humiliation was unbearable.

Benjamin gave a slight, regretful bow. “My apologies, Miss Reed. I am not privy to the details.”

His words were a final, stinging slap.

The murmurs around them grew louder, laced with open mockery.

“It seems Miss Reed’s importance to Mr. Blackwood was… overstated.”

“I believed they were close. Apparently not.”

“We should go. The show is over.”

One by one, the guests found excuses to leave. The grand hall, once buzzing with energy, fell into a hollow, echoing silence.

Sophia stood frozen, her face a ghostly white mask.

Zoe approached, her heels clicking decisively on the marble floor. A look of thinly veiled disdain was masked by feigned concern.

“Are you alright, Sophia?” Zoe’s voice dripped with false sympathy as she lightly touched Sophia’s shoulder. “Don’t be too upset. Mr. Blackwood must have a critical situation to handle.”

Sophia’s head snapped up, eyes blazing.

“He cleared his entire schedule for today,” she hissed.

An unreadable flicker passed over Zoe’s face. She paused, as if a thought had just occurred to her. “Oh, that’s right. Today is Parents’ Day at the kindergarten. The one Liam Scott attends.”

Confusion flashed across Sophia’s features.

Zoe’s tone was casual, yet deliberate. “Perhaps… Mr. Blackwood went there instead?”

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat.

Impossible!

She shook her head violently, trying to dislodge the terrifying thought. A wave of sickening discomfort churned in her chest. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging deep into her palms.

“I have to see for myself,” she muttered through gritted teeth. She spun around and stormed toward the dressing room.

Zoe watched her go, a cold smirk twisting her lips.

Driven by sheer curiosity and boredom, Zoe decided to follow. She wouldn’t miss the unfolding drama.

Sophia changed into a simple outfit, grabbed her bag, and rushed out. She drove through the streets, thoughts of Ethan and Liam swirling like a storm in her mind.

She would not lose. She would not let Isabella take him from her.

The sun was brilliant. Colorful flags fluttered gaily in the breeze. The sound of cheerful children’s songs spilled from the kindergarten gates.

Ethan stepped onto the scene. His casual attire did nothing to diminish his powerful presence. His arrival immediately drew the attention of every parent. Even the young teachers couldn’t help but steal glances.