Chapter 50
“Ethan is here with me.”
Olivia couldn’t suppress the laughter bubbling up inside her. She echoed Sophia’s words with exaggerated sweetness.
“Well, even pigs enjoy rolling in mud. It’s their nature. But when they flaunt it in public like it’s something to be proud of? That’s revolting. You should leave before I say something you’ll regret.”
Sophia’s face paled, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She clutched Ethan’s sleeve desperately.
“Miss Montgomery, I understand you come from privilege, and your family indulges you, but that doesn’t give you the right to insult people. Isabella’s deception was truly masterful. Otherwise, Ethan wouldn’t have fallen for it—”
Ethan’s expression darkened at Olivia’s words. Though restrained by his status, his voice was icy.
“Miss Montgomery, before you rush to defend Isabella, perhaps you should consider her true nature. This woman is nothing but vanity, always scheming for opportunity. Don’t let her fool you.” His gaze sharpened, clouded by memories of Athton, the irritation of being outmaneuvered evident. “Isabella played the perfect, devoted partner, but she could switch off her emotions like flipping a switch. Be careful—she might be using you too.”
Olivia didn’t flinch. Instead, her laughter rang out, louder this time.
“At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but you’re being played like a fiddle. You can’t even see what’s right in front of you. Should I applaud your performance or pity your lack of brains?”
Ethan’s expression twisted. “What are you implying, Miss Montgomery?”
Olivia casually draped an arm over Isabella’s shoulders, her smile dripping with disdain.
“Oh, nothing at all. You’re just blind, Ethan. I’ve known Isabella for years. Do you really think your words will change my opinion of her? When you wanted a perfect, submissive woman, she gave you exactly that. But now? She doesn’t need you, and she’s done playing that role. Seems like you’re just bitter she made the right choice.”
She gave him a mocking look, shaking her head. “Honestly, a man as clueless as you is a rare find!”
Olivia then nudged Isabella playfully. “You’ll have to teach me those acting skills. Maybe then my father will stop calling me a wild child.”
Isabella sighed. “Some people can’t tell gold from garbage. When someone’s born with bad taste, there’s no helping them.”
Ethan couldn’t help but smirk slightly at the absurdity of it all.
Isabella couldn’t help but recall that moment at Athton. Alexander, with just subtle hints, had pieced everything together—even admitting she had once been Benjamin’s protégé. But Ethan? Good God. He’d lived with her for three years and hadn’t noticed a thing. It was a matter of intelligence, plain and simple.
As the two women continued their banter, Ethan was left speechless. The mockery was obvious, but he knew better than to let his frustration show. Olivia’s reputation for defiance and her family’s fierce protection made retaliation futile. If she humiliated him publicly, the Montgomery family would stand firmly behind her, leaving him no choice but to swallow his pride.
Sophia, meanwhile, forced a tight smile, struggling to maintain her composure.
“The competition is about to start. Isabella, I know you enjoy these perfume contests, but perhaps you should stay in the audience section—somewhere in the back. We wouldn’t want you to miss out.” Her words dripped with sarcasm, the implication clear: Isabella didn’t belong here.
Ethan’s face remained stony as he added, “Not just anyone can get into this venue.”
She wrapped an arm around Sophia’s waist, pulling her along pointedly.
“Truly talented women like Sophia don’t need to claw their way up for attention. Unlike those who rely on vanity. Maybe one day someone will recognize her worth, but until then, it would be a shame to see her escorted out by security.”
Just then, a staff member wearing a crimson brooch approached.
“Miss Sinclair,” he greeted respectfully.
At these events, staff members were distinguished by the color of their pins, indicating their roles. This particular attendant was responsible for the SVIP lounge.
Ethan scoffed. “Isabella shouldn’t be here. You should escort the unqualified out before they embarrass themselves.”
But the staff member ignored him. His attention remained fixed on Isabella, his demeanor shifting to one of utmost deference when he noticed the champagne in her hand. Bowing slightly, he gave her a polite nod.
“We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Knowing your preference for red wine, we’ve prepared it in advance. The champagne in the main area doesn’t meet the standards, so please allow me to escort you to the SVIP lounge. A private space has been arranged exclusively for you.”
