Chapter 273

Six years of running had come to an end.

To locate Noah, Daniel Whitmore's parents had no choice but to buy back their recently returned son at a bargain price.

Now, Daniel was once again at the helm of the Whitmore Group.

Meanwhile, Noah's family had been banished by Ethan Blackwood to an unknown foreign land, their fate uncertain.

If Ethan had managed to track down Sophia and Noah's whereabouts, Daniel still deserved some credit.

His reason for helping Ethan?

Daniel wanted to curry favor with the ruthless tycoon and secure a place in his inner circle.

He aimed to establish himself firmly in Harborview City.

Besides, Daniel believed integrating into Ethan's world wouldn’t be difficult—after all, Noah's wife was Julian Montgomery’s cousin.

Thanks to this connection, Daniel had the privilege of attending this exclusive gathering of the city’s most powerful men.

When Daniel struggled to find a way to blend in, the woman beside him effortlessly took charge.

Ava Sinclair truly lived up to her reputation as an international A-list actress.

Every gesture exuded elegance and grace. Her social skills were impeccable.

If she weren’t the best friend of his wife—and if his wife’s family weren’t so influential—Daniel would’ve gladly taken this dazzling star to bed.

Prompted by Ava, Daniel immediately rose with practiced charm.

"Allow me to introduce the leader of Harborview’s business elite, the youngest and most formidable head of the Blackwood family—Mr. Ethan Blackwood."

He then turned to Ava. "Mr. Blackwood, this is the rising international star, Miss Ava Sinclair."

Ava extended her hand gracefully, offering Ethan a polished smile.

Ethan didn’t move.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Ava’s face, but she recovered instantly.

Ever the professional, she smoothly redirected her hand toward Sophia, who stood beside Ethan.

"This lady seems to be a server?" Ava’s voice dripped with condescension. "Why are you staring so intently at Mr. Whitmore? Is he your next target?"

Sophia’s gaze remained fixed on Daniel, unblinking.

She hadn’t bothered to look around when she entered.

But the moment Daniel stood to introduce himself, she realized—he bore an uncanny resemblance to Noah.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Ethan noticed Sophia’s reaction immediately.

He knew exactly why her eyes had reddened.

His expression darkened, his piercing gaze sharpening as it landed on her.

Sophia didn’t notice. She was still staring at Daniel.

The air grew heavy.

A tense silence settled over the room.

Even Julian, usually composed, and Oliver Grayson, typically indifferent, along with the more volatile Sebastian Holloway, turned their attention to Ethan and Sophia.

The women watched in silent judgment.

Ava, ever the opportunist, saw her chance to shine.

If Ethan had brought this woman here to torment her, then she’d gladly assist.

She flashed a saccharine smile.

"Since Mr. Blackwood arrived half an hour late, and Sebastian mentioned earlier that he should be fined thirty drinks…"

She tilted her head. "As his companion, you should take the penalty. And perhaps stop eyeing a married man?"

Sophia barely glanced at Ava before turning back to Daniel.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Mr. Whitmore… do you know my brother?"

The question stunned everyone.

Before anyone could react, Sophia rushed forward, her voice trembling.

"What’s your connection to him? Where is he? Is he—is he alright?"

Daniel recoiled in disgust.

Of everyone in the room, he knew the most about Sophia and Ethan’s twisted history.

After returning to Harborview, he’d ingratiated himself with his aunt and uncle to get closer to Ethan.

It was through them that he’d overheard Noah’s hiding place—information he’d passed to Ethan.

He knew exactly how much Ethan despised Sophia.

So when she lunged at him, Daniel snarled, "Get away from me! You ruined my cousin, and now you’re after me?"

He scoffed. "I’m married. My wife and I are happy. I don’t want trash like you!"

Sophia stood frozen.

"Your… cousin? Noah is your cousin?" Her voice cracked. "Do you know where he is?"

Daniel sneered. "How would I know? Didn’t you get him killed? Now that Mr. Blackwood has you back, you’d better behave."

Killed by her.

Captured by Ethan.

The words jolted Sophia back to reality.

She turned—and found Ethan standing right behind her, his expression icy.

Tears welled in her eyes. "I—I’m sorry. I forgot myself."

Yes.

She’d lost control.

Seeing Daniel had made her think of Noah—the only family she’d had after losing her mother and before her child was born.

For over a year, they’d relied on each other.

Noah had nearly died protecting her.

Now, because of her, he’d been exiled to god-knows-where.

Ethan’s voice was frigid. "You’re pathetic."

Sophia bowed her head. "I’m sorry."

"Sit." He commanded.

She obeyed, settling silently beside him.

Sebastian finally broke the tension. "Ethan, what’s going on?"

He gestured to the stunning woman beside him. "I brought my long-term partner—practically my fiancée. Show some respect."

The woman offered Ethan a coy smile.

"And Oliver’s here with his soon-to-be wife," Sebastian added, nodding toward Oliver Grayson.

Oliver inclined his head in confirmation.

Sebastian then looked at Julian, who raised his glass toward the elegant woman beside him.

"My confidante, Natalie Montgomery."

Finally, Sebastian turned back to Ethan, exasperated.

"And you? What’s this?"

He scoffed. "Rumor has it you’re engaged to Isabella Thornton, the Shu family’s granddaughter. Why bring her instead?"

His gaze flicked dismissively to Sophia.

"Unless you brought her to serve us—"

Before he could finish, Julian kicked him under the table.