Chapter 121

Sebastian Valdemar rounded the corner with his phone in hand, just in time to hear Tiffany Roscente's biting sarcasm.

His steps faltered. His gaze turned icy in an instant.

"Father." He strode forward, subtly positioning himself between Sophia Lowell and Theodore Orlando. His concerned eyes settled on the older man. "Are you all right?"

Tiffany's eyes widened as they darted between the two men. When she noticed their strikingly similar profiles, her face drained of color.

"P-Professor Valdemar..." Her voice trembled, nails digging into her palms. "I..."

Theodore scoffed, refusing to even glance her way. His expression softened instantly when he turned to Sophia. "Come, my dear. Let me introduce you to some old friends."

Sophia nodded obediently. Before leaving, she cast Tiffany a meaningful look.

"Satisfied?" Theodore whispered once they were out of earshot, winking at her.

Sophia pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. "Very."

Theodore sighed. "That girl has been giving you trouble, hasn't she?"

"She never wins." Sophia swirled her champagne glass. "You taught me to stand my ground when necessary."

The old man patted her shoulder approvingly. "Good. Remember—we don't start fights, but we don't back down from them either."

Outside the ballroom, Tiffany intercepted Sebastian with red-rimmed eyes. "Professor Valdemar, I had no idea—"

"Does ignorance excuse cruelty?" His tone was calm, but his stare was glacial.

Tiffany stomped her foot in frustration. "It's all Sophia's fault! She provoked me on purpose, insinuating that she and Professor Orlando—"

"Enough." Sebastian cut her off sharply. "You have no right to judge my junior."

As he turned to leave, Tiffany desperately reached for his sleeve. Sebastian sidestepped, disgust flashing in his eyes.

"Mind your boundaries, Miss Roscente." His voice was steel. "And I won't tolerate any more slander against Sophia."

Tiffany bit her lip hard. "She's a fraud! In our family—"

"I said enough!" Sebastian's raised voice drew glances from nearby guests. He took a deep breath, lowering his volume. "One more word against her, and there will be consequences."