Chapter 140

At last night's gala, only two types of people would target her—those who hated her to the core, or those who wanted to humiliate her. Scanning the ballroom, Sophia could think of no one besides Tiffany Roscente and Isabella Valentine.

She suspected they had conspired. Tiffany, the brainless one, had always been Isabella's most obedient weapon.

"Not her." Ethan Roscente's firm voice cut through her thoughts.

Sophia's chest tightened. His defense of Isabella was always so unwavering.

"Even if she wasn't the mastermind, she's involved." Sophia clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

Ethan scoffed, exhaling a smoke ring. "Planning to weaponize public opinion again? Don't embarrass yourself."

His words stabbed straight through her heart.

"Of course. With you protecting her, no one can touch her." Sophia's lips curled into a bitter smile, her eyes icy.

A sudden phone ring shattered the tension. Sebastian Valdemar's name flashed on the screen, and Ethan's expression darkened instantly.

"Don't answer."

She pressed the call button anyway. The urgent voice on the other end made her face pale.

"Move!" She shoved past him.

Ethan seized her wrist. "You dare care for another man in front of me?"

Sophia stomped hard on his polished shoe, wrenching free as he hissed in pain. Behind her, Ethan's furious roar echoed just as the elevator doors slid shut.

In the hospital corridor, Vivian Valdemar paced anxiously, her pregnant belly prominent. Tears spilled the moment she saw Sophia.

"My dad—"

"Professor Orlando will be fine." Sophia pulled her trembling friend close. "You can't stress yourself right now."

Vivian sobbed. "He saw my stomach and—it's all my fault—"

Sophia rubbed her back, scanning the empty hallway. "Where's Sebastian?"

"Filling out paperwork." Vivian wiped her tears. "The doctor said his blood pressure is dangerously high. He could—"

The emergency light flicked off. Both women stood as the doctor emerged.