Chapter 126

Ethan's grip tightened around his phone, his knuckles turning white.

"Sophia, must you go this far?"

His voice trembled with suppressed rage, veins pulsing at his temple.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, twilight painted his brooding profile in somber hues.

Isabella's elopement with that foreign professor remained the deepest wound in his heart.

"Mr. Winston must have a selective memory."

Sophia's icy tone cut through the line.

"Shall I remind you of your drunken confession three years ago?"

Her fingers tapped the desk in a slow, deliberate rhythm.

Ethan's breath hitched.

That night... he'd said things he shouldn't have.

"Let's end this online feud."

His tone softened abruptly. "Give me time to handle it."

"Too late."

The line went dead with Sophia's crisp dismissal.

As the screen darkened, a Twitter notification flashed.

#WinstonGroupAnnouncesEngagement#

The trending tag led to an official statement from Winston Group's verified account.

"We are pleased to announce the engagement of Mr. Ethan Winston and Ms. Isabella Evans on the fifteenth of next month..."

Comments exploded instantly.

"The queen returns! Homewrecker better scram!"

"How's that crow taste, Sophia stans?"

"Old money marries old money - as it should be!"

Sophia skimmed the remarks with a cold chuckle.

She dialed a number. "Get me Isabella's overseas hotel records. High-definition preferred."

The Winston mansion blazed with light.

Gabrielle lounged on the sofa scrolling through social media when she suddenly giggled.

"Look, sis! Netizens are gushing over your perfect match!"

She thrust her phone at Isabella.

The screen displayed expertly photoshopped engagement photos.

Isabella offered a demure smile, though unease flickered in her eyes.

"That bitch Sophia..."

Gabrielle lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Should we buy more troll accounts?"

"Don't overdo it."

Isabella caressed her engagement ring. "Your brother won't like it."

"Who cares!"

Gabrielle tossed her hair. "I'm pushing the 'Serial Mistress' hashtag right now!"

Her fingers flew across the screen, missing Isabella's frozen smile.