“Ethan!” Sophia’s voice trembled, her eyes welling with tears that spoke volumes of her humiliation.
Gone was her usual delicate charm, replaced by a fragile vulnerability that tugged at the heartstrings. Her tears begged for comfort, but Benjamin had already retreated into his home, cradling his precious tea set like a shield.
Isabella stretched lazily, watching the scene unfold with detached amusement, while Alexander savored every moment of the drama. Only Ethan, his heart heavy with concern, stepped forward to offer solace.
Sophia whispered, “To me, you’ll always be the strongest man. Even if you’ve been wronged, you shouldn’t kneel. You must hold onto your pride.”
Ethan’s emotions churned—bitterness and fury swirling inside him as he watched the woman he loved plead with Isabella.
“Miss Sinclair,” Sophia began, her voice strained. “Even though you and Ethan are divorced, you should still consider his dignity—he represents the entire Blackwood family. I know I’ve hurt you, and I beg for your forgiveness. If kneeling will make things right, I’ll do it. This is my fault.”
She moved to kneel, her voice trembling. “We hurt you first, but you kept silent for three years. Maybe you just dislike me, but after today, I hope you’ll stop making things difficult for us.”
Isabella arched a brow, almost impressed by Sophia’s audacity. What a masterclass in manipulation. They had lost the bet fair and square, yet here they were, weaponizing tears and false humility. If she didn’t know Sophia’s true nature, even she might have been swayed.
Just as Sophia’s knees were about to touch the ground, Ethan caught her arms, pulling her up as if shielding her from an unjust attack.
Rage burned in his eyes as he snapped, “Isabella, I don’t usually lower myself to your level, but you’ve gone too far! You set us up. For three years, you never once mentioned your pottery skills or that you were Benjamin’s teacher. Was this your plan all along? Do you really think there won’t be consequences?”
Isabella tilted her head, unfazed. “I told you about my pottery hobby years ago. You just never listened—just like when I gave you that ceramic dog.”
The memory of the shattered gift flashed in Ethan’s mind, and his righteous fury faltered. A flicker of guilt crossed his face as he met Isabella’s cool, unimpressed gaze.
“You know,” she mused, “I’ve always wondered how someone could be so ungrateful.”
Ethan’s guilt evaporated instantly. “You—!”
Alexander chuckled under his breath. While people often called him sharp-tongued, Isabella’s ability to dismantle an argument was on another level. Still, Ethan’s guilt in this situation was undeniable.
Ethan’s face darkened with frustration as he struggled to counter her. “This is just a misunderstanding. We were married once—do you have to be so cruel? My grandfather always said to leave room for reconciliation. You might need my help someday. After all, I am the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises…”
