“Is there truly no way to reach Isabella now that she’s cut all ties with you?” Eleanor seethed, her frustration boiling over.
Those two conniving bastards were using the jade as proof that Ethan wasn’t William’s chosen heir.
With the jade in Isabella’s possession, anyone could step forward and claim the title.
Eleanor’s chest heaved with indignation, her words sharp and biting as they spilled from her lips.
“Why are you acting so helpless now that Isabella’s gone?” When Eleanor got worked up, she spoke without restraint, only fueling Ethan’s irritation.
Meanwhile, Sophia remained the composed voice of reason in the room.
“Eleanor, please don’t speak to him like that,” she interjected softly. “It’s unfair to Ethan. He’s been doing everything in his power.”
She slipped her arm through Ethan’s, offering silent comfort.
“Ethan, don’t lose hope. Even if we can’t retrieve the jade, I’ve heard rumors about a badge at the upcoming charity auction—one that could shift the balance in our favor.”
Ethan’s brow furrowed, and even Eleanor’s skepticism wavered at the mention of the badge. She eyed Sophia warily.
“Where did you hear about this?”
“A reliable source,” Sophia replied smoothly, her expression unreadable. “So, Ethan, securing that badge is our priority. Those illegitimate sons of your father may think they hold the upper hand, but with that badge, we could let the Dark Web deal with them directly.”
Her tone was chillingly calm, as if discussing murder was as mundane as discussing the weather.
Ethan studied her, a flicker of unease passing through him. But her next words quickly captured his full attention.
“Those fools are strutting around like they own the Blackwood empire, thinking we have no leverage. But if we get that badge, the tables will turn. There might even be infighting between them—especially since one of them is volatile enough to self-destruct if pushed.”
A slow, calculating smile curved Sophia’s lips. “We could orchestrate a situation where they tear each other apart while we watch from the sidelines. Neither would dare make the first move if it risked their claim to the badge.”
Ethan understood immediately. “So, we let them destroy each other.”
“Exactly,” Sophia murmured. “And at the very least, it would send a clear message.”
Even Eleanor fell silent, her earlier hostility fading. She knew their ultimate goal was to eliminate those threats and secure Ethan’s rightful place.
Yet, she couldn’t shake her suspicion about how Sophia had obtained such classified information.
But Eleanor was nothing if not adaptable. She stood abruptly, gripping Sophia’s wrist with surprising force—hard enough to leave faint bruises.
“Sophia, I underestimated you. I was wrong about the brooch. My apologies—don’t hold it against me.”
Eleanor knew the importance of appearances.
“As for the auction, it’s in your and Ethan’s hands. If you need additional funds, just say the word.”
Sophia smiled, practiced and polished. “Of course.”
She recognized Eleanor’s performance for what it was.
Watching the exchange, Ethan exhaled in quiet relief. If Sophia and Eleanor could cooperate, he wouldn’t have to exhaust himself mediating their clashes.
But when his gaze landed on Sophia’s exquisite brooch, his mother’s words echoed in his mind: Is it a gift from a secret admirer?
Ethan’s expression darkened as he lowered his eyes.
It was a lie to say he didn’t care about Sophia’s past. Their wedding had been a farce—one he’d tried to bury deep within himself, as if it had never happened.
But the memory festered like a wound, growing more painful with time.
Unaware of his turmoil, Sophia mistook his silence for fatigue.
“Ethan, you seem off.”
“Just tired,” he muttered, subtly brushing her hand away to rub his temples.
For reasons he couldn’t explain, he felt an instinctive resistance toward her.
Sophia, distracted by her own thoughts, didn’t notice.
“Once we secure that badge, things will get easier,” she chirped. “You won’t feel so drained.”
A cold smile played on her lips.
Dealing with those two fools was merely a pretense.
If Sophia got her hands on the badge, her first target wouldn’t be them—it would be that wretched Isabella.
