Chapter 255
Ethan Blackwood and Sophia Kensington staggered into the dimly lit underground parking garage.
“I can’t believe Isabella! She’s utterly ruthless, humiliating me in front of everyone!” Ethan seethed, his voice sharp with fury.
“Just breathe, Ethan,” Sophia murmured, attempting to redirect his spiraling anger.
Inside, she was just as unsettled.
“Did you notice? During the ceremony, Isabella kept glancing toward the VIP lounge.”
A pause. Then, softer: “I heard Alexander was here today. With his niece.”
Ethan’s expression darkened instantly, his hands curling into fists. “Him? That crippled has-been who spent years rotting in a wheelchair?” His voice dripped with venom. “Sure, he’s walking now, but let’s be honest—who knows if he’s even functional anymore?”
The bitterness in his tone was unmistakable—a mix of jealousy and possessiveness. “What could Isabella possibly see in him? There’s no way she’d be happy with someone like that.”
A shadow shifted in the dim light, followed by a slow, mocking clap.
“Well said.” Damian Kingsley stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. “Seems Mr. Blackwood and I share the same opinion.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “Who the hell are you?”
“Damian Kingsley.” He extended a business card with effortless grace.
Ethan didn’t even glance at it. Instead, he crumpled it in his palm and tossed it into a nearby trash bin.
“Ah, the Kingsleys,” he sneered, disdain thick in his voice.
The mere mention of the name made Ethan’s lip curl. And now that he knew Damian’s background—his illegitimate status—his contempt only deepened.
“An illegitimate son parading under the Kingsley name. How poetic.”
Damian stiffened, disbelief flashing across his face. It had been years since anyone dared insult him so openly.
Meanwhile, Sophia, recognizing the weight of Damian’s family ties, forced a gentle smile and dipped her head slightly. “My apologies, Mr. Kingsley. Ethan’s had a difficult day because of… certain tensions with Alexander. He didn’t mean to take it out on you.”
Damian’s expression softened marginally. “No harm done.” His gaze lingered on Sophia—her delicate frame, the fragile curve of her neck. There was something almost tragically beautiful about her.
He pushed the thought aside.
“Mr. Blackwood, there’s no need for hostility. After all, the enemy of my enemy is a friend.” A slow, knowing smile. “I don’t hold Alexander in high regard either.”
Originally, Damian had planned an accident today—one that would leave Alexander permanently broken in front of the crowd. But when Alexander unexpectedly remained in the VIP lounge, Damian adjusted his strategy.
With Amelia making an appearance, he decided to lure Alexander out—arranging for someone to “accidentally” collide with Isabella instead.
After all, the entire world knew how publicly Alexander had been pursuing her.
Damian was certain he wouldn’t resist showing up.
“More connections mean more opportunities,” he said smoothly, handing Ethan another card. “If you ever need anything, Mr. Blackwood, don’t hesitate to call.”
Ethan didn’t commit, but he took the card with a cold nod.
Before he could respond, a warm, melodic voice cut through the tension.
“Damian, darling, what are you still doing here? It’s time to go.”
A poised, elegant woman appeared, offering Ethan and Sophia a gracious smile.
“Hello.”
Sophia blinked, momentarily stunned. She had never met a woman who exuded such effortless sophistication.
Ethan, however, stiffened at the sight of Victoria Kingsley. She reminded him too much of the women who had orbited his father—his expression remained icy as he gave a curt nod.
Victoria didn’t seem fazed. Her smile remained warm, genuine.
“Miss Kensington, you’re absolutely lovely. I feel an instant connection with you.” With a graceful motion, she unpinned a jeweled brooch from her dress. “Please, accept this small token of my appreciation.”
She cast a chiding glance at Damian. “Don’t mind him. He’s young, impulsive—always so envious of Alexander.” A sigh. “You see, Alexander lost his mother young, then his legs. It made him… withdrawn.”
Subtly, she praised Damian while undermining Alexander.
“As for Damian? He may be reckless, but his heart is in the right place. Consider him a friend.”
Sophia’s breath caught as she stared at the glittering brooch. “Th-thank you, ma’am.”
In all her years married into the Blackwood family, Eleanor had never given her anything of value—only veiled insults and schemes against her parents’ fortune.
Yet here was Victoria, gifting her something priceless upon their first meeting.
It was more than she ever dreamed of.
