Chapter 67

The staff around them pricked up their ears, their gazes darting between the three figures.

The air was thick with tension.

Before Ethan Winston could finish speaking, Nathan Lowell had already stepped protectively in front of Sophia Laurent.

"Are you deaf, Winston?"

His glare was sharp as a blade. "Sophia wants nothing to do with you right now."

Ethan's eyes turned icy.

"Compared to me, it's the Lowell family she's desperate to escape from, isn't it?"

He stared Nathan down, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

These past days, he'd been closely monitoring Sophia's situation.

From Emily Lowell exposing family matters, to the online backlash, and finally that disownment notice.

He understood Sophia's resolve better than anyone.

But could blood ties truly be severed so easily?

This was merely a power play against Nathan.

Nathan scoffed.

"Whatever happens, she'll always be my sister. Who do you think you are?"

A cold smile curved Ethan's lips.

"I'm the man she loved for three years, and will love for a lifetime. In terms of closeness, shouldn't you know your place?"

Sophia stood between them, her temples throbbing.

"Are you two done yet?"

She took two steps back. "Both of you, get lost."

If Ethan had chased after her to explain at the birthday banquet that day...

Perhaps she might have given him a chance to speak.

But now, it was too late.

She couldn't care less.

Unless they came to ask about the baby, she couldn't be bothered.

A sudden tightness gripped her chest.

"Sophia, ignore them."

A soothing voice interjected at just the right moment.

Adrian Valentine stood beside her, his gaze gentle.

"I've reserved a restaurant. Shall we go?"

Sophia's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

"Sure."

Adrian's smile deepened.

"This way. I know a great private kitchen."

They walked away side by side.

Two pairs of eyes burned holes into their retreating backs.

Adrian suddenly turned and gave them a meaningful smile.

Nathan and Ethan's faces darkened instantly.

As Sophia moved further away, Nathan gritted his teeth and followed.

Ethan remained rooted to the spot, unmoving.

He couldn't understand.

After swallowing his pride to reconcile, why was Sophia still treating him this way?

Where was the girl who used to adore him with her whole heart?

Everyone in their circle knew how deeply she'd loved him.

Over such a trivial matter, she'd changed just like that?

He'd thought she was merely throwing a tantrum.

Now it seemed her heart had long flown elsewhere.

And the culprit was undoubtedly Adrian Valentine!

Clenching his fists, Ethan strode after them.