Chapter 393

Sophia's lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained cold.

High society in the capital valued pedigree and reputation above all.

With the scandal raging online, how could the Winstons ever accept a daughter-in-law like her?

If Alexander insisted on marrying her, he might even lose his position as heir.

"Sophia, my parents are open-minded," Ethan said, avoiding her gaze. His voice lacked conviction.

"Really?" Sophia let out a light laugh. "Would the Winstons accept a woman entangled with six men?"

Ethan's expression darkened.

He thought the online bullying had driven her to delusion.

"Don't talk about yourself like that," he said, suppressing his guilt. "To me, you'll always be pure."

"And what about this child?" Sophia placed a hand on her abdomen, meeting his eyes directly.

Ethan's voice turned grim. "Get rid of it."

The Winstons might tolerate her for the sake of the Lowell Group.

But they would never accept another man's child.

Sophia's smile vanished.

"No need," she said coldly. "Since you're convinced it's not yours, don't come looking for me again."

Ethan jerked his head up.

"You're keeping that bastard?" His eyes widened in disbelief.

Sophia's gaze turned sharp as a blade.

"Ethan Winston!" She enunciated each word. "Call my child that again, and I won't hold back."

Ethan froze under her glare.

He'd never seen this side of Sophia before—cold, resolute, a stranger that unsettled him.

Sophia turned and walked toward Alexander.

"Let's talk inside," she said wearily, rubbing her temples.

Alexander followed silently.

In the lounge, Sophia collapsed onto the sofa, drained.

The day's events had unfolded too suddenly.

Seeing her pale face, Alexander's chest ached.

From their conversation, he'd guessed the truth.

That child... was likely his.

"Sophia, about the baby—" he began carefully.

The priority now was dealing with the online storm.

But the memory of that night at the hotel—he didn't know how to bring it up.