Chapter 306

Tiffany Roscente's words cut through Sophia Lowell like a razor-sharp blade, piercing her heart with brutal precision. A sharp pain lanced through her, yet she found no words to refute them.

The term "bed warmer" echoed relentlessly in her mind.

Her fists clenched, nails digging deep into her palms.

"Tiffany!" Sebastian Valdemar's voice rose sharply, his usually gentle face now frosty with anger. "Mind your language."

He turned to Sophia, his eyes filled with remorse. "This is my fault. I'll handle it."

Sophia forced a brittle smile. "She's not wrong."

Her gaze lifted to meet Tiffany's haughty stare. The vulnerability in her eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by icy derision.

"If you're going to say it like that, then I won't pretend to be the good girl anymore." Her lips curled in disdain. "Instead of pointing fingers at me, why don't you go talk some sense into your clingy uncle?"

"Isabella Valentine might treasure him, but to me, he's just a nuisance. If she can take him away, I'd be grateful."

Tiffany's face paled, but her eyes suddenly shifted past Sophia, locking onto something behind her.

"U-Uncle..."

Sophia's pulse stuttered. Slowly, she turned.

Ethan Roscente stood at the doorway, a paper bag in hand, his handsome face carved from ice. His gaze flickered over Sebastian's grip on Sophia's wrist, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.

"Seems I'm interrupting." His voice was frigid. "I had no idea my personal life was such fascinating gossip."

Tiffany trembled, unable to meet his eyes.

Sophia held his stare, her lips pressed into a stubborn line. The explanation on her tongue dissolved before she could voice it.

"Was I wrong?" Her voice was eerily calm as she met his gaze head-on.

Ethan's eyes darkened, the air around him turning glacial. He stepped forward, each footfall like a hammer against her nerves.

"Dead wrong." His laugh was devoid of warmth. "Clearly, I've been too lenient with you."

The paper bag hit the table with a heavy thud.

Sebastian instinctively moved to shield Sophia. "Mr. Roscente, let's discuss this rationally."

Ethan's gaze was a blade. "Professor Valdemar, this is a family matter."

The atmosphere froze, thick with tension. Everyone nearby held their breath.

Sophia suddenly laughed, the sound brittle. "Family? Don't make me laugh." She pushed Sebastian's hand away. "What family do we have?"

The words struck Ethan like a dagger. His pupils constricted, the cold in his expression deepening.

"Fine." The words were ground out between his teeth. "Sophia, you're really something."

Tiffany took two cautious steps back. She'd never seen her uncle look so terrifying.

But Sophia seemed oblivious to the danger, fanning the flames. "If you're feeling wronged, Mr. Roscente, why don't you go complain to your fiancée?"

"Enough!" Ethan seized her wrist, his grip punishing. "We're talking. Alone."

Sebastian moved to intervene, but a single glare from Ethan rooted him in place.

"Professor," Ethan's voice was dangerously low. "Stay out of this."

Sophia struggled futilely against his hold. Staring up at his impossibly close face, she suddenly smiled. "What's this? A public display of forced possession?"

Ethan's eyes darkened. Without another word, he swept her into his arms and strode out, leaving stunned silence in his wake.