Chapter 53
“Rankings?” Isabella Sinclair tilted her head, her lips curling into a playful smirk. “They’re just numbers on a screen. I trust my instincts more.”
She deftly sidestepped Alexander Kingsley’s implied question, her words laced with a teasing edge—one that subtly jabbed at Sophia Kensington while maintaining her carefree demeanor.
“I’m only here for the thrill of it,” she added with a light shrug, as if the entire competition were nothing more than a game.
Alexander chuckled, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. The unspoken understanding between them was undeniable. Isabella was deliberately downplaying her brilliance, and he saw right through it.
“In that case,” he murmured, leaning slightly closer, “I wish you the best of luck, Miss Sinclair.”
It took Alexander only seconds to grasp the truth—this contest meant nothing to her. The way she spoke, the confidence in her tone, it all hinted at a secret they both shared.
And that silent connection between them was like a blade twisting deeper into Ethan Blackwood’s chest.
The thought that the woman who had once stood by his side now shared an unspoken bond with another man clawed at him. It unsettled him more than he wanted to admit.
Even though they were divorced, the fact that Isabella had once been his only made the sting sharper.
“Ethan, we should go,” Sophia urged, tightening her grip on his arm. “The waiting room will be crowded soon.”
Sensing her irritation, he pulled her closer, as if marking his territory in front of Isabella.
But Isabella had already turned away, walking off without sparing him a single glance.
When the staff arrived to escort Alexander to the SVIP lounge, Isabella followed without hesitation.
Olivia Montgomery, ever perceptive, arched a brow and smirked. “Since when did you and Alexander become friends?” she teased, reaching out to pinch Isabella’s cheek. “He even wished you luck. How sweet.”
Isabella caught Olivia’s wrist with a cool grip. “Don’t overthink it, Liv. He’s just an acquaintance. You’re still my favorite.”
Olivia’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she puffed up in mock pride. “Damn right I am! I own this place.”
Their playful banter would have been amusing to anyone else—but to Ethan, it was gasoline on the fire of his jealousy.
The moment Alexander disappeared from view, Ethan’s restraint shattered.
Even with Sophia clinging to his arm, he spun around, his voice sharp with accusation. “You and Alexander clearly know each other. How long has this been going on? Why is he still backing you?”
His grip on Sophia’s hand tightened, though his burning gaze remained locked on Isabella.
“No wonder you’ve been so arrogant. You’ve already found someone to replace me, haven’t you?”
His words grated against Isabella’s nerves, sending a dull throb through her temples.
She met his glare with an icy stare, her voice dripping with disdain. “There’s nothing between me and Alexander. Unlike you and Sophia—who’s practically glued to your side. Frankly, the whole thing disgusts me. And for the record, we’re divorced. You don’t get to dictate what I do.”
Her words sliced through the air, her indifference cutting deeper than any insult.
The whispers around them grew louder.
Olivia, never one to hold back, smirked. “Exactly. You’re nothing but a stain on Bella’s past. Stop lurking around like a bad smell—no one’s buying your pathetic act.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Quit playing these games to get her attention. It’s embarrassing.”
For emphasis, Olivia fanned her hand in front of her nose. “Bella, let’s go. I swear, the stench of desperation is making me nauseous.”
Ethan stood frozen, unable to form a retort.
All he could do was watch as the two women walked away, leaving him with a suffocating tightness in his chest.
His grip on Sophia’s hand turned crushing, making her flinch—though she didn’t dare protest.
The jealousy boiling inside him was a wildfire he couldn’t control.
How dare Isabella move on so effortlessly?
“Don’t worry, Ethan,” Sophia cooed, squeezing his hand in reassurance. “Let’s focus on what matters. I’ll make sure I secure a spot in the top ten.”
Her voice was firm with determination.
But Ethan barely heard her.
His mind was still trapped in the past—with the woman who no longer cared.
