Chapter 392

Ethan Winston's eyes darkened at Alexander Valdemar's icy tone.

"I understand."

He had originally believed Sophia Laurent left the hotel on her own that night.

Now with the video exposed, he vaguely recalled handing Sophia over to someone else himself.

"I'll take full responsibility."

Ethan's voice was resolute. "No matter what she's been through, my feelings won't change."

Alexander seemed perplexed by his stance.

His gaze swept over Ethan coldly. "Unnecessary."

He pocketed his phone, his voice low.

"Sophia is mine. Responsibility isn't yours to claim."

Ethan frowned deeply.

"What do you mean?"

His tone was disbelieving. "You'd still stay with Sophia after this?"

Alexander's voice remained calm. "If she wishes it."

"I can't comprehend this."

Ethan shook his head. "You two share no special bond. Why go to such lengths?"

A shadow flickered through Alexander's eyes. "You wouldn't understand."

But he offered no explanation, striding past Ethan toward Sophia.

Sophia's face was frosty after viewing the footage.

"Director Gavin, that woman isn't me."

Though the resemblance was uncanny, it absolutely wasn't her.

Gavin Winslow exhaled in relief.

"Thank goodness."

His back had been drenched in cold sweat watching the video.

If even he was this shocked, Sophia's reaction was understandable.

Thankfully, it wasn't her.

Realization dawned on Gavin, his expression turning furious. "This is clearly an attempt to ruin you."

His voice was urgent. "The public already believes it's real. What do we do now?"

Sophia's eyes were glacial. "We need irrefutable proof to clear my name."

Otherwise, the public wouldn't believe her.

Gavin looked troubled. "But whoever released this must have destroyed the original..."

Sophia had anticipated this.

When she'd gone to check the hotel surveillance, she was told all footage from that night was missing.

The thought made her heart heavier.

Remembering the reporters' aggressive behavior earlier, she could already foresee the harassment to come.

She'd likely be hounded by journalists wherever she went.

Just as frustration threatened to overwhelm her, a cool voice cut through.

"Ms. Laurent, a word."

She turned to meet Alexander's penetrating gaze.

Before Sophia could respond, another figure intervened.

"Sophia..."

Ethan's face was etched with guilt. "No matter what happens, I'll stand by you. I won't judge you. After the divorce, I'll propose to you publicly—"

Sophia had intended to ignore him.

But his words piqued her interest. "Really?"

Encouraged by her response, Ethan nodded emphatically. "Absolutely."