Chapter 41

Liam wasn’t about to let her off the hook. "I paid for you, covered your salary, and you repay me by doubling the debt?"

Truth was, Sophia was starving.

She nodded earnestly. "Fine. I’ll owe you for now. I’ll pay you back double my salary."

Liam took her to a small diner, ordering only a few budget-friendly dishes and two bowls of shredded chicken noodles.

When the food arrived, Sophia barely waited before digging in. She devoured most of the noodles without looking up. Only when she was nearly finished did she notice Liam hadn’t touched his chopsticks.

"You… why aren’t you eating?" Sophia asked.

Liam scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Damn it, I’m shutting this place down tomorrow! When I ordered, I specifically asked if the dishes were sweet—local favorites. They swore they were. But look at this! Not a hint of sweetness. Just heat and sourness. Disgusting!"

He pushed his bowl toward her. "Since it suits your taste, eat it all. That way, I’ll have a solid reason to demolish this dump."

Sophia realized he’d already tasted it—he just wanted her to eat.

Her chest warmed. "Thank you. I’m full."

"Where to next? Should I drop you off at my fourth brother’s place?" Liam teased, his smirk returning.

Sophia’s expression darkened instantly.

After a pause, she murmured, "Take me to the hospital where Aunt Victoria is staying. I’ll keep her company tonight."

She hadn’t gotten the photo of Isabella. She didn’t even know how to explain herself to Victoria. But with nowhere else to go, the hospital was her only option—even if she had to sleep in a chair.

Liam drove her there without complaint, then left without another word.

Sophia knew the hospital didn’t allow overnight stays in the wards, so she didn’t bother going inside. Instead, she curled up beneath the window outside Victoria’s room, thinking through the night.

At dawn, she caught the first bus back to Ethan’s penthouse. She had made up her mind—she would tell him everything about her past.

Meanwhile, Ethan hadn’t slept a wink.

He’d seen Sophia on his way back from the family estate but was too furious to bring her home.

After waiting three hours with no sign of her, he called—only to find her phone switched off.

Had she run because he’d uncovered her scheme? Did she really think she could escape him?

Ethan waited the entire night.

At daybreak, he grabbed his car keys and stormed downstairs—only to find Isabella standing outside the building, her clothes damp with morning dew.

"How long have you been here?" Ethan demanded impatiently.

"Your assistant brought me medicine… after I applied it, I came." Isabella’s eyes brimmed with pitiful tears. Then, as if mustering courage, she whispered, "Ethan, I had to tell you. Even if you never want to see me again… I can’t let your mother be deceived by Sophia. She’s a liar, Ethan. Please believe me."

As she finished, she swayed dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead before collapsing into Ethan’s arms.

Ethan caught her mechanically, but his gaze locked onto the figure behind her.

Sophia stood there, her face deathly pale. The moment she saw Ethan holding Isabella, her legs gave out.

She fainted.

Ethan shoved Isabella aside and lunged forward, catching Sophia just before she hit the ground. "Sophia!"

Isabella’s lips twisted in silent fury.