Chapter 68

Sophia Laurent had just settled by the window when Adrian Valentine handed her the menu.

She reached for it, then froze mid-motion. Two familiar figures appeared at the entrance.

Her fingers stilled.

Adrian followed her gaze, his brow furrowing.

"Waiter," he signaled, "we'll take a private room."

He'd chosen the main dining area to protect Sophia's reputation.

These unexpected guests changed everything.

He recognized Nathan Lowell. The other man must be Sophia's ex.

The waiter bowed. "This way, please."

Sophia rose without hesitation.

She refused to even glance in their direction.

"Sophia!"

Nathan intercepted them.

"Now you won't even share a meal with me?"

Her laugh was icy.

She'd never met anyone so oblivious.

"Blind?"

Adrian stepped between them. "Can't you see she finds you repulsive?"

Sophia nodded. "The sight of you makes me sick."

Ethan Winston stood behind Nathan, his eyes glinting with mockery.

He opened his mouth, but Sophia's glacial stare silenced him.

"As for you," her voice was soft, "be a decent ex."

Her lips twisted in self-deprecation.

"Wait—we were never even that."

She turned on her heel.

Adrian shot them both a withering look before following.

Nathan and Ethan stood rooted to the spot.

"Winston," Nathan gritted out, "stay away from Sophia."

Ethan scoffed. "She's already cut ties with your family."

"At least we shared good memories. What do you have?"

He knew Sophia's soft heart.

The slightest kindness lingered in her memory.

He refused to believe she'd moved on so quickly.

Nathan fell silent.

Neither noticed the camera capturing everything from the shadows.

Valdemar Sanatorium.

Henry Chamberlain waved a tablet at the hospital bed.

"Mr. Valdemar, your wife is actually Composer T!"

"Check out how this guy looks at her. Tsk."

"Breaking news! Someone chased her to the show's set!"

Alexander Valdemar: "......"

Since his condition improved, Henry had abandoned all professional restraint.