Chapter 277

If Ava didn't behave properly, she needed to be corrected.

"Would Mr. Blackwood be willing to give Ava another chance?"

Ethan's piercing gaze shifted from Ava to Sophia.

"Why did she ask you to tie her shoes?"

Sophia lowered her head slightly, her voice steady. "I don't know her. I was washing my hands when she walked in and demanded I tie her shoes for her."

She met Ethan's eyes with quiet defiance. "Mr. Blackwood, I don’t understand the games you play. This is my first time in such a situation. Just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll comply."

Ethan turned back to Ava, his tone icy. "Then you will kneel and tie Sophia’s shoes. If she forgives you, you won’t be punished further. Understood?"

Ava’s face paled.

Kneel? Before this nobody?

Beg for her forgiveness?

Humiliation burned through her, but the cold threat in Ethan’s eyes made her knees weaken. She swallowed hard and forced herself toward Sophia.

Sophia recoiled instantly. "Stay away from me! I can’t stand your perfume—it reeks!"

A choked laugh escaped Julian Montgomery. His companion, Natalie, smirked.

Sebastian Holloway and Oliver Grayson exchanged glances.

Ava’s cheeks flamed. She forced a trembling smile, desperation creeping into her voice. "Miss Montgomery… please. Let me tie your shoes, or I’ll have to drink ninety glasses of wine. I’ll die."

Sophia’s expression remained impassive. "I didn’t force you to drink. Keep your distance."

It wasn’t that Sophia lacked sympathy. But she was barely surviving herself—how could she save someone else? Especially a woman who had been so haughty moments ago, now groveling.

This had to be some twisted game.

Sophia refused to play.

"Come here," Ethan commanded. Sophia obeyed, sitting beside him. His gaze hardened as it landed on Ava. "Since Sophia refuses, you’ll drink ninety glasses. No negotiations—or it becomes one hundred twenty. Those who know me understand I don’t repeat myself."

He tilted his head. "Drink up, Miss Sinclair. Or is it not your real name?"

Ava flinched. "I—my surname isn’t Sinclair. It’s… Parker. Ava Parker."

Snickers erupted around the room.

Ethan’s lip curled. "So you’re not even a Sinclair. I thought you were suffering from something contagious."

Ava shook her head frantically. "No diseases, I swear!"

"Then drink." His voice turned lethal.

Sophia stiffened beside him, startled by his ruthlessness.

Before she could react, Ava collapsed to her knees, tears streaming. "Miss Montgomery, please! Have mercy!"

Sophia exhaled slowly. "Your act is impressive. One moment, you order me around. The next, you’re sobbing at my feet. Which is the real you?"

She met Ava’s desperate gaze. "I’m just trying to survive tonight. I don’t have the luxury of saving anyone—especially not someone who belongs in your world."

Ava clutched Sophia’s ankles. "I was wrong! I was arrogant! Please, forgive me!"

Sophia shook her head. "Begging me is pointless. I’m no one here. If Mr. Blackwood wants to punish you, it’s not because of me."

She turned to Ethan, her voice quiet but firm. "If this is about me, then let her go. I don’t need this. I don’t understand your games, and I won’t participate."

Her composure never wavered.

Ethan studied her, intrigued. Unlike Ava’s dramatic swings between arrogance and desperation, Sophia remained unshaken—accepting cruelty without protest.

He smirked. "You’re an actress, aren’t you?"

Ava nodded eagerly. "Yes! If you spare me, I’ll promote Blackwood Enterprises for free next year! My influence is massive—"

"Get out."

Ava froze. "W-what?"