Chapter 267

The tension in the private lounge of The Velvet Club was palpable.

Sebastian Holloway adjusted his tie nervously, the jagged scar across his cheek twitching as he spoke. "Julian, you arranged this meeting. But let's be honest—do you really think Ethan will let this go? You know how ruthless he is. Even if I beg for forgiveness, he might still tear me apart."

Beside him, a stunning woman with crimson lips smirked, her fingers tracing the rim of her champagne flute.

Julian Montgomery scoffed. "Sebastian, let’s not pretend. If Ethan won’t spare me—his own brother-in-arms—why would he spare you? You betrayed him. You sided with his enemies."

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. "I had no choice! The Blackwoods were crushing my family’s business in the southwest. If I hadn’t played along, we would’ve lost everything!"

Julian’s expression darkened. "And what about Victoria? His mother rotted in prison because of you. She died there. You think he’ll just forget that?"

Sebastian exhaled sharply. "I was a pawn. His brothers forced my hand. But when Ethan made his move against them, I helped him. Doesn’t that count for something?"

Julian leaned back, arms crossed. "I brought you here as a favor to your late brother. But whether Ethan forgives you? That’s between you and him."

The door swung open.

Silence fell.

Ethan Blackwood strode in, his presence commanding the room. His grip on Sophia Montgomery’s wrist never loosened.

"Ethan," Julian greeted, standing.

Two other men—Oliver Grayson and Nathaniel Brooks—rose as well, nodding in acknowledgment.

Ethan barely spared them a glance. His icy gaze locked onto Sebastian.

"You." His voice was lethal. "Why are you here?"

Sebastian forced a smile. "Six years, Ethan. Aren’t you tired of holding a grudge? For Julian’s sake, can’t we move past this?"

Ethan’s laugh was humorless. "You still call me Ethan like we’re friends."

Sebastian’s facade cracked. "I had no choice! If I hadn’t cooperated with your brothers, the Holloway name would’ve been erased. And when you struck back, I helped you. Doesn’t that mean anything?"

Ethan’s smirk was razor-sharp. "Fine. Drink thirty glasses. Then we’ll talk."

Sebastian’s shoulders relaxed slightly—until his eyes flicked to Sophia. "Who’s this? I thought Isabella was your—"

Sophia cut in smoothly. "I’m just the entertainment Mr. Blackwood hired for the evening."

The room froze.

Ethan’s fingers tightened around her wrist, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Entertainment? Is that how you see yourself?"

Sophia met his gaze evenly. "Isn’t it?"

The air between them crackled.

Around them, the others exchanged glances. The rumors were true—Ethan had brought back a woman from nowhere, and she was defiant.

Julian cleared his throat. "Ethan, the past is the past. Sebastian’s here to make amends."

Ethan’s expression remained unreadable. But beneath the surface, memories churned—exile, betrayal, the slow, meticulous revenge that had taken years to execute.

And now, this woman—Sophia—daring to challenge him in front of everyone.

He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "You’ll regret that lie."

Sophia didn’t flinch. "We’ll see."

The game was far from over.