Chapter 201

The fleeting warmth she'd felt from his defense shattered instantly. Sophia's fingers turned bone-white as she clenched her handbag, barely restraining herself from smashing it against that handsome face.

Even knowing he'd always side with Isabella unconditionally, the dull ache in her chest felt like a rusty knife twisting deeper.

Blood roared in her ears. Her vision darkened at the edges.

"Sophia—"

Jason caught her elbow as she swayed.

"I'm fine." She jerked free, icy gaze raking over Ethan. A mocking smile curled her lips. "I'm not a Roscente by blood. Never took a penny from your family. Your rules mean nothing to me." She enunciated each word. "Cross me, and I'll make sure you regret it."

Her cutting glance swept past William. "Respect is earned, not demanded. I don't entertain entitled elders." The sharp swish of her coat mirrored her exit. "Moral blackmail disgusts me."

William's enraged bellow followed her. "Ethan Roscente! Is this how your family educates their—"

"Mr. Valentine." Ethan's voice dropped to subzero. "Threatening my family carries consequences."

The older man choked, face purpling. "You're shielding her?"

"You overstepped." Ethan slid a hand into his trouser pocket, the razor-sharp crease of his suit emphasizing his lethal calm. "Meddling in children's squabbles?" A derisive chuckle. "Beneath you."

William's complexion drained to chalk-white. Humiliated twice by these young wolves, his fists trembled with suppressed fury.

This wasn't over.

"If Sophia offended you..." Ethan's tone softened unexpectedly. "I'll apologize on her behalf."

Isabella's nails bit into her palms. She forced a brittle smile. "Ethan, why would you—"

"Uncle entrusted Aunt Emily's care to me." His gaze skimmed Isabella's frozen expression. "Her niece falls under my protection." The pleasantry vanished as he locked eyes with William. "But harm her..." A polished shoe crushed the carpet fibers. "You insult Uncle directly. A man of your stature understands, yes?"

Not enough.

Ethan leaned in, whispering words that made William's facial muscles twitch violently. "The old man's blood pressure fluctuates lately. Should someone... agitate him further..." Straightening, he adjusted his cufflinks with deliberate slowness. "A son might do reckless things."

Under the crowd's scrutiny, William swallowed his rage whole. His contorted expression resembled a vengeful specter.