Chapter 339

Ethan Winston's gaze burned into Sophia Laurent. "You'll leave the Valdemar family eventually, won't you?"

Sophia's brow furrowed slightly. "None of your business."

Ethan sighed.

"Sophia, after all these years together, I don't believe you can just cut ties so easily. When you've calmed down, you can always come to me. I'll be waiting."

He paused. "Consider that necklace a gift. Better it stays with you than in the Valdemar household, don't you think?"

Sophia remained silent.

"Disgusting. Don't you own a mirror? Or at least have some self-awareness?"

She turned to enter her car.

Ethan quickly blocked her path.

"Sophia, let's talk privately?"

"No time." Her refusal was crisp.

Ethan's expression darkened. "Then I'll go speak with Patriarch Valdemar."

Sophia arched an eyebrow.

"Don't worry. I know you only married Alexander out of necessity. I can help you."

"Are you insane?" Sophia scoffed. "Ethan, did you get hit in the head or something?"

Ethan ignored her remark.

Gabrielle Winston couldn't resist interjecting.

"Sophia, don't be ungrateful! Having my brother's affection is a privilege you don't deserve. Think you're special just because you're carrying some bastard?"

Her eyes flicked pointedly toward Sophia's abdomen.

"Let's see how long you last in the Valdemar family once Patriarch finds out about your little accident."

Sophia's breath hitched.

Gabrielle knew about the pregnancy.

A sidelong glance confirmed Ethan's clueless expression, allowing her to relax slightly.

"Go ahead and tell them." Sophia curved her lips.

The secret wouldn't stay hidden forever.

Worst case scenario, she'd leave the Valdemars. It didn't matter to her.

Sophia turned her icy gaze back to Ethan.

"Listen carefully. With a mother and sister like yours, there's zero chance I'd ever reconnect with you. If you have any sense, stay out of my sight from now on."

Ethan paled.

The realization struck him—even if Sophia left the Valdemars, she would never return to him.

The thought carved through his heart.

Only when Sophia's car disappeared from view did he snap out of his daze.

Gabrielle continued her venomous tirade.

Slap!

A sharp crack silenced her.

Gabrielle clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. "You hit me? For that bitch?"

Ethan's face was glacial. "How dare you insult her like that?"

Malice flickered in Gabrielle's eyes.

She would ruin Sophia Laurent.

A woman carrying another man's child had no right to marry into the Valdemar family.

She'd expose this shameful secret to the world.