Chapter 122

"Enough!" Sebastian's voice turned icy, his gaze sharp as daggers as he glared at Tiffany. "I knew Sophia long before you entered the picture. If I hear you speak ill of her again—"

The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air.

Tiffany froze, momentarily stunned by his outburst before jealousy twisted her features. Her nails dug into her palms as she stared at Sophia's retreating figure.

"She's just some junior colleague. Why defend her so fiercely?" Tiffany's voice trembled. "Unless... you have feelings for her?"

Sebastian's expression darkened further, his disdain palpable as he refused to even look at her.

"Miss Roscente," he said coldly, "you're overstepping."

The dismissal stung. Tiffany's eyes burned with unshed tears as she stomped her foot. "You're avoiding the question!"

"What if I do?" Sebastian's lips curled into a humorless smile, his eyes glacial. "Pursuing her would be perfectly honorable. Unlike you—" His tone shifted, razor-sharp. "What exactly is your stake in this?"

Tiffany paled, but before she could retort, movement caught her eye. Her face instantly brightened with feigned distress. "Uncle Ethan! Isabella!"

Ethan stood by the pillar, impeccably dressed in his tailored suit, his gaze locked on Sebastian with unsettling intensity. Isabella clung to his arm, her manicured nails biting into his jacket sleeve.

"This is Professor Valdemar," Tiffany announced loudly, throwing Sebastian a triumphant look. "I may have spoken out of turn earlier—about his father, and about Sophia—"

Her sudden contrition was transparent as she glanced expectantly at Ethan.

Sebastian gave the legendary Roscente patriarch a curt nod before turning on his heel.

"Sebastian Valdemar!" Tiffany shrieked, stomping again in frustration.

Isabella chuckled, pinching Tiffany's cheek. "Our little Tiffany is all grown up."

"Stop it, Isabella!" Tiffany flushed crimson.

"I didn't say a word," Isabella murmured, her gaze sliding meaningfully toward Ethan. "Right, darling?"

Ethan's attention remained fixed on Sebastian's departing figure before he finally responded, his voice flat. "If you want him, go after him."

Tiffany gasped. "You approve?"

Ethan didn't answer, his expression inscrutable. Isabella's smile stiffened, her grip on his arm tightening imperceptibly.