Chapter 109
Understood.
Sebastian stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the room instantly.
“You both need to leave.” His voice was firm. “We don’t tolerate disrespect here.”
Sophia’s face twisted in frustration, but she quickly plastered on a conciliatory smile. “Mr. Kingsley, this must be a misunderstanding. We didn’t realize this boutique was yours. My mother just wanted to buy me a wedding gift—nothing more!”
She knew Alexander owned several luxury brands, but she hadn’t expected this one to be among them. If they were blacklisted, purchasing high-end goods in Ontdale would become impossible, forcing them to shop abroad.
“A few harsh words shouldn’t warrant such drastic measures, Mr. Kingsley,” she added, her voice trembling slightly as she took a step back. “Blacklisting us seems excessive, don’t you think?”
Genevieve, who had been smug moments ago, stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock. This place belongs to him? What unsettled her most wasn’t the store—it was how fiercely Alexander had defended Isabella.
Ethan’s expression darkened as he realized Alexander was making his stance clear. If the Blackwood family was blacklisted, their luxury brand partnerships would crumble.
Before Ethan could speak, Alexander approached Isabella. His face was unreadable, but his tone was light, almost playful, as if they were old friends.
“It’s rare we get to dine together, Miss Sinclair, yet you find yourself surrounded by such unpleasant company.” He glanced at Ethan and Sophia dismissively. “Next time, I’ll pick you up myself. No one will bother you again.”
Isabella offered a faint smile. “It was just a casual outing…” Their effortless banter radiated an intimacy that made Ethan’s jaw tighten. His mood soured with every word exchanged.
Sensing the tension, the store manager intervened smoothly. “Miss Sinclair, we’ll have the dress delivered directly to your residence.”
With that, the confrontation seemed to end—but as Alexander and Isabella continued speaking, Sophia’s jealousy flared. She forced a sweet smile, though her words were laced with venom.
“Forget it, Isabella. I know you still have feelings for Ethan. That’s why you’re fixated on my wedding gift, isn’t it?” She sighed dramatically. “But it’s my fault—I won’t provoke you.”
With exaggerated grace, she pulled out an ornate invitation. “Here. Our wedding invitation. It would mean so much if you could witness our happiness.” Her gaze flickered to Alexander, gauging his reaction.
Instead of the polite refusal she expected, Alexander let out a cold, mocking laugh.
“You have feelings for Mr. Blackwood?” His voice dripped with disdain. “Kensington, your insults are impressively subtle.”
Sophia stiffened, speechless. It was clear he was ridiculing them.
Isabella glanced at the invitation, her fingers twitching as if resisting the urge to tear it apart. “No, thank you.” Her voice was icy. “I find it repulsive.”
She reached for a sanitizing wipe, but before she could, Alexander was already handing her one with a knowing smirk. “Clean yourself thoroughly. You just touched something filthy.”
Olivia, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, chimed in with a mocking grin. “Exactly! Some people are downright toxic. Attending their wedding would curse you for a year.”
Sophia’s fury burned, but she could do nothing as Isabella and her group walked away, leaving her humiliated.
The boutique staff promptly blacklisted Sophia and Genevieve, escorting them out. Once outside, Genevieve rounded on Ethan, her voice shrill. “You’re a CEO! How could you let that man humiliate us like that?”
Ethan’s reply was glacial. “Would you prefer I start a public war with the Kingsley family?”
Genevieve paled, her anger deflating as reality set in. Ethan wasn’t avoiding a scene—he was avoiding catastrophe. The Kingsleys’ influence was vast, and crossing them could destroy their empire.
Sensing his growing irritation, Sophia quickly intervened, clutching his arm. “Ethan, Mother didn’t mean that. She’s just upset about how unfairly we were treated.” She shot Genevieve a warning look. “Mom, it’s just a dress. Our wedding is what matters. Once I’m Mrs. Blackwood, we’ll surpass the Kingsleys.”
Realizing her misstep, Genevieve forced a smile and patted Ethan’s shoulder awkwardly. “Of course. Sophia has a sharp business mind. She’ll help the company grow. Don’t take my outburst personally, Ethan.”
Ethan nodded, indifferent. Years ago, Genevieve had forcibly ended Sophia’s relationship with him. Now that he’d finally agreed to the wedding, she should have been relieved.
But he wasn’t.
The excitement he once felt about marrying Sophia had dulled, replaced by growing frustration. And after watching Isabella reject the invitation without hesitation, that frustration became impossible to ignore.
