Chapter 353

Tiffany Roscente knelt on the floor, her nails digging deep into her palms.

Never in her life had she felt such humiliation.

"Sorry..." The word was forced through gritted teeth.

Sophia Lowell took half a step back, her skirt brushing against Tiffany's knee.

"Get up. You look like I'm bullying you."

Tiffany's head snapped up, hatred flashing in her eyes before she could hide it.

Ethan Roscente stood by the window, his silhouette imposing against the backlight.

"Not sincere enough." His voice was soft, but it made Tiffany tremble.

"Uncle!" Her voice turned shrill. "I'm already on my knees—what more do you want?"

Sophia suddenly found it absurd.

She turned to Ethan. "Let it go. Forced apologies mean nothing."

Tiffany seized the lifeline, scrambling to her feet. "See? Even she said—"

"Silence." One glance from Ethan, and the bodyguard clamped a hand on Tiffany's shoulder.

Sophia rubbed her temples, exhausted by the farce.

"Just let her leave."

Ethan studied her for a few seconds before asking, "Afraid she'll retaliate?"

The room fell dead silent.

Tiffany's face paled.

Sophia chuckled. "What's there to fear? It's just tiresome."

She stepped close to Tiffany until their breaths mingled.

"Remember. This is your last chance."

After Tiffany was escorted out, Ethan handed Sophia a cup of steaming tea.

"Your hands are freezing."

Sophia ignored it, picking up her bag instead. "Dinner's over, the show's done. I'm leaving."

Night enveloped the neighborhood, streetlights stretching their shadows long.

"Sophia."

He suddenly called her full name.

She paused mid-step.

Ethan's voice carried on the night breeze. "If I could resolve all the problems... would you consider—"

He didn't finish, but she understood.

Her back still turned, she smiled bitterly.

"Ethan, you can't even control Tiffany."

The words stabbed straight through his chest.

He strode forward, gripping her shoulders.

"Give me three months."

Under the moonlight, the determination in his eyes burned fiercely.

"Just three months. I'll show you a different Roscente family."

Sophia searched his gaze—there was a sincerity she'd never seen before.

The wind tangled her hair, scattering her barely audible reply.

"Fine."