Chapter 135

Instead of sending her back to the Thornton mansion.

That meant she could stay in Ethan's suite from now on, coming and going as she pleased, right?

Hehe!

Isabella grinned smugly as she slid into Nathan's car, leaving the engagement venue behind.

Meanwhile, Ethan drove aimlessly through the city streets, his mind elsewhere.

At the same time, Sophia had just finished her shift at Montgomery Designs.

As she pulled out her phone to call Liam, his name flashed on her screen first. "Sophia, I'm tied up right now. Can you grab a cab yourself?"

Her voice dripped with obedient sweetness. "Of course, Mr. Sterling."

Liam caught the syrupy tone and teased, "So eager to please me? Willing to do anything I ask?"

Sophia's smile turned saccharine. "Do you doubt my sincerity? Let me say it again—I'll do anything for you. Whatever you command, even if it costs me my life."

Liam chuckled. "Who knew the ice princess could be so... accommodating?"

Sophia's fingers tightened around her phone.

She knew his mouth had no filter, that he reveled in crude jokes. But hearing him imply she was cheap still made her cheeks burn.

Sophia was nobody's plaything.

Unaware of her reaction, Liam continued, "Though I expected this. Your response is exactly what I predicted."

Confused, Sophia kept her voice level. "Where should I meet you, Mr. Sterling?"

"The VIP suite at The Velvet Lounge. Top floor."

The Velvet Lounge?

Sophia had heard of the infamous high-end club but never stepped inside.

A den of debauchery for the wealthy elite—exactly where someone like Liam would burn through cash. "Understood. I'll be there shortly."

Hanging up, she hailed a cab, mentally preparing herself during the ride.

Meanwhile, Liam and his best friend Noah stood outside the private suite, cigars in hand.

"You sure about this?" Noah eyed him warily.

Liam smirked. "Worried I've caught feelings? Don't be. She's yours if you want her."

Noah stiffened.

"Our bet's settled. That limited-edition Bugatti in your garage is mine." Liam blew a smoke ring. "You heard how eagerly she obeys. Practically begging for it."

Noah forced a laugh as they stubbed out their cigars and reentered the roaring chaos of the suite.

Thirty minutes later, Sophia stepped into the lion's den.

The scene froze her in the doorway.

Two dozen men lounged around the dimly lit room—only Liam and Noah were familiar faces. The others ranged from leather-clad bikers to slick-haired playboys, their predatory gazes raking over her.

Opposite them sat three women in scandalously short dresses.

One sauntered over, eyeing Sophia's conservative blouse with disdain. "New girl? That outfit won't fly here, sweetheart."

Sophia's spine straightened. "I'm not one of you."

A second woman draped herself over Liam's lap. "Oh, but Mr. Sterling says you're the real expert. Claims you can handle four, five men at once." She giggled. "How many was it again?"

Liam squeezed the woman's thigh, grinning at Noah. "Four, wasn't it? Tell you what—Sophia here can be your consolation prize. If you can pry her away from my other friends."

Noah's drink stalled halfway to his lips.

He'd partied with Liam for years, but this crossed a line. His gaze flicked to Sophia—her face had drained of color.

"Liam," Noah muttered, "this is too far."

Liam's smile turned vicious. "Too far for what? A knocked-up gold digger?"

Noah's eyes widened.

Sophia didn't flinch. "What exactly do you want, Mr. Sterling?"

Liam gestured around the room. "Tonight's your big payday. Entertain these gentlemen, and you might walk out a millionaire."

Noah slammed his glass down. "For God's sake—"

Leaning close, Liam whispered something that made Noah recoil. When their eyes met again, Noah stared at Sophia like she'd grown horns.

Liam's grin widened. "Clock's ticking, Sophia. Better start earning your keep."

At that moment, his handsome face twisted into something ugly. This was the real Liam Sterling—the aristocrat who saw people like her as disposable toys.

And the joke was on him.

Because the "innocent" country girl he'd mocked?

She was carrying his child.