Chapter 108
The moment Isabella Sinclair received Genevieve Delacroix’s frantic call, she wasted no time dragging Ethan Blackwood to the upscale Skylight shopping center.
As they stepped into the boutique, their eyes immediately landed on Sophia Kensington, standing with her arms crossed, looking utterly unbothered.
“What are you doing here?” Isabella asked, her voice deceptively soft, though the edge of irritation was unmistakable.
How was it that Sophia always seemed to appear wherever she went, completely unfazed by the chaos she left in her wake? Meanwhile, Genevieve, spotting Ethan and Isabella’s arrival, only grew bolder.
“If you know what’s good for you, hand over that dress!” Genevieve snapped, her voice sharp. “Do you even realize who my future son-in-law is? He’s the CEO of the Blackwood Group. Cross him, and you’ll regret it.”
She yanked Isabella closer, as if to reinforce her dominance. “Darling, this dress is my wedding gift to you,” she cooed, a smug smile curling her lips. “Just look at how exquisite it is. Wear it at the ceremony, and you’ll be the most breathtaking bride in all of Ontdale.”
But then, with a scoff, she added, “Too bad some people don’t know when to back off.”
Ethan, however, wasn’t paying attention to the dress—or even to Isabella. His gaze was locked onto Sophia, who stood there in a simple yet elegant outfit, radiating effortless power. The cold indifference in her expression made her seem untouchable.
Despite all the whispers about her ruined marriage, Sophia hadn’t even glanced his way, as if the entire scene was beneath her.
Frustration coiled inside him, and his voice turned icy. “Sophia, just give Isabella the dress. It’s important for the wedding. I’ll pay you double for it.”
Sophia finally looked at him, her lips curving into a mocking smile. “Ah, Mr. Blackwood. Still as arrogant and clueless as ever. Impressive, really. But money doesn’t interest me.”
His jaw tightened. He turned to the store manager. “Pack it up. Now.”
The manager, who had been silently observing the exchange, understood the power dynamics perfectly. The Blackwoods were influential, but the Montgomerys were just as formidable—and Sophia and Olivia had claimed the dress first.
“Right away,” the attendant said quickly, already moving to wrap the gown.
Ethan’s expression darkened as he glared at Sophia. “This dress is Genevieve’s gift to Isabella. It’s for our wedding.” He was convinced that beneath her indifference, Sophia still cared. That this was all just jealousy.
Sophia’s eyes sparkled with amusement, as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Even Olivia burst out laughing.
“Sophia, did you hear that?” Olivia drawled, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Some people actually think we’re here to ruin their wedding. Hilarious. We were here first.”
Sophia sighed dramatically. “What can you do? The world is full of clowns. I’m used to it.” Then she turned to Ethan, her voice laced with disdain. “Mr. Blackwood, it’s bad enough you don’t know right from wrong, but now you’re blocking my way. Do you want to get run over again? Or maybe—” Her lips curled into a dangerous smile. “—you’re itching for another trip to the warehouse?”
His face paled at the memory of his recent humiliation. Still, Genevieve was watching—he couldn’t back down now.
Isabella, sensing the tension, stepped forward, her voice soft and pleading. “Sophia, I know you don’t like me, but please don’t ruin my special day. This dress is my mother’s gift. You can have anything else—just not this.” Her delicate expression made her seem like the true victim.
Olivia rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. She raised a hand, ready to argue, when someone suddenly caught her wrist.
It was Sebastian Harrington, Alexander Kingsley’s assistant.
“Miss Montgomery, Miss Sinclair,” he greeted smoothly. “Mr. Kingsley happened to see you while passing by.”
Sophia glanced up and spotted Alexander in his wheelchair, watching the scene with an amused expression.
“Don’t lower yourself to their level,” he said, his tone light but firm. “Hitting her would only give her the attention she craves.”
His sudden presence had an immediate effect. He shot the store manager a sharp smile. “I see you let just anyone shop here now.”
The manager paled, breaking into a cold sweat. “Mr. Kingsley, I—I didn’t realize—”
Ethan, unwilling to back down, spoke again. “Mr. Kingsley, you can’t just take what’s mine.”
Alexander didn’t even look at him. Instead, he gave Sebastian a subtle nod.
“Blacklist them,” he said calmly. “I never want to see them in any of our luxury stores again.”
