CHAPTER 20: TWIST OF THE KNIFE

"Mommy’s really going to be with Lucas. That’s a serious problem."

"Yeah," one of the boys said. "Angela, Billy—Mommy definitely doesn’t know he’s actually Daddy. She’s walking straight into the lion’s den. Shouldn’t we just tell her the truth?"

Hands shoved into her pockets, Angela shook her head, her face serious. "No. We don’t even know what really happened between Mommy and Daddy back then. Hilton Group is practically the richest empire in the world. We can’t act rashly. Better idea... we test him."

"Test him?" one of the kids echoed.

"That’s right. Each of us will go. If he’s not sincere with Mommy, we stop it—worst case, we find her a different Daddy."

Angela was clear-eyed. As the oldest, she had to take the lead. Mommy might look sharp, but she kept plenty of secrets from them. And they weren’t stupid either.

While Mommy immersed herself in design and corporate takeovers, she and her siblings had been busy too. Billy had already dug up Lucas’s entire file—even the encrypted parts.

A dark man, betrayed by relatives years ago, left in a wheelchair, yet holding the economic lifeline of City A—no, of the entire international market. Branches abroad too many to count.

Angela sighed and laid out the photos on the table. These were all the "backup fiancés" they’d picked for Mommy.

"Faye and Charles, you’re up first. Billy, Dustin, Eric, you’ll monitor from behind."

"Angela, I’m scared..." Faye’s voice wobbled, tears threatening.

"You’re always asking about Daddy. Now’s your chance. Grab it, Faye. You’ve met him before—I believe in you."

Faye dropped her head. I hope so...

...

In her studio, Sophia’s face stayed impassive as she stacked her freshly sketched designs. On paper, she still had to keep working with Morgan Group.

Ding-dong—

The doorbell startled her. She glanced at the screen, locked the studio door, then went downstairs and opened the front door.

"You? How did you even know where I live?" she demanded, eyes narrowing.

Ethan stood there, hands full of things—including a small cake.

"This is the mousse cake you used to love. I bought two, just for you," he said, trying to step inside.

Sophia blocked the doorway. "Ethan, what is this? You think because you brought me dessert, I’ll let you in?"

"Sophia, that was the past. You’re back now. Please—give me a chance to make up for my mistakes. Olivia and I are over. From now on, we can be together again."

His eyes shone with a hope she hadn’t seen in years.

Sophia had expected this—but not so soon. What had it been, a day? Two?

Unbelievable. This man showed up at her door to announce he’d broken up—as if she were supposed to care.

Pathetic.

"Sophia, back then I was confused. Don’t hold it against me. After you left, I thought about you constantly. You were in my head all the time."

"Every time I closed my eyes, you were there. I couldn’t forget you. Everything with Olivia was fake—she was the one who seduced me.

"The truth is, you’ve always been the one in my heart. Years have passed, but my feelings never changed. Please—give me another chance to make it right.

"I’ll treat you better than anyone. From now on, I’ll love only you. If you’ll take me back, we can get married right away!"

Sophia held the phone tight in her hand, screen glowing where Ethan couldn’t see.

"Ethan, it’s not that I don’t believe you, but you’ve been with Olivia for seven, eight years now."

"And suddenly you’re telling me it’s over? How am I supposed to believe that?"

"You say she seduced you—but if you hadn’t let yourself be swayed, how could she have possibly succeeded?"

Her words, instead of pushing him away, only made Ethan feel like there was still a sliver of hope.

He stared at her intently.

She was even more stunning than before, more confident, more magnetic. He knew it deep in his bones—if Sophia would just give him another chance, he’d marry her in a heartbeat.

"Sophia, believe me. I was blind before, but now I see clearly. I won’t let her fool me again. She pretends to be fragile and innocent, but she’s nothing but a manipulative green tea bitch. The truth is, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved—the only one who really matters."

Sophia fought the urge to laugh.

"Really? You’re saying you never loved Olivia?"

"Not at all. I never cared about her. I only used her. You’re the one I love. I was just... weak, because she was so jealous of you."

"Used her?" Sophia’s voice sharpened.

"Yes. I’m not afraid to admit it—I used her, plain and simple. She was dumb enough to think I actually loved her. If it hadn’t been for the Morgan family’s power back then, and the fact she was Andrew’s daughter, I would never have left you. You know that, Sophia... after all, you’re just the—illegitimate one."

A cold laugh broke from her lips. "Illegitimate? Andrew lied to my mother, and somehow she’s the homewrecker? Watch your mouth, Ethan. Say something like that again, and you’ll regret it."

"I’m sorry, Sophia. I didn’t mean it that way. Please, forgive me. Let’s start over. The Trump family has already surpassed the Morgans—I don’t need to pander to them anymore!"

What gave this man the audacity—after six years, after betraying her—to stand here and confess like this?

Did she look that stupid? Did he really think she’d fall for it again?

"Olivia stuck with you for eight years. Everything you should’ve done and shouldn’t have done—you did it all. To be blunt, you’re dirty, Ethan. Do you really think you’re worthy of me?"

His face twisted. "Sophia, I don’t care if I’ve slept with a hundred, a thousand women—you’re the only one I’ve ever truly loved!"

Sophia nearly gagged at the shamelessness of it.

A man who couldn’t control himself, spewing such noble-sounding nonsense? Ridiculous.

She smiled faintly, lifted the phone in her hand, and under Ethan’s confused gaze, her lips curved—but her eyes glittered with icy sharpness.

"Olivia," she drawled, voice laced with mockery, "did you hear that? Ethan says the only woman he’s ever loved is me. You? You were nothing but the shameless third wheel all along."

Ethan’s whole body jolted. Olivia?!