Chloe, the moment you were expelled from the architectural world, you should have understood: there was no path back.”
Her lips trembled, but no words came. Tears welled in her eyes, making her look pitiful.
Ethan immediately stepped forward, shielding her behind him, his tone laced with defense.
“Sophia, that’s enough! Chloe did wrong, yes—but she has already paid the price. Why must you keep hounding her?”
I tilted my chin upward, my gaze cold and sharp.
“Paid the price? With your family’s protection, she’s standing here, shedding tears like some delicate flower—this is what you call a price?
Ethan, let me remind you: I am your fiancée. Not her.”
The atmosphere grew tense.
Ethan’s eyes flicked between me and Chloe, irritation spreading across his brow.
“Sophia, this sharpness of yours only makes the world think you’re petty.
You’re a world-renowned architect. Shouldn’t you be gracious, above such trivial matters?”
I smiled faintly, though the chill in it was unmistakable.
“Trivial matters?
My hard-earned work being stolen—trivial?
My team being infiltrated by an outsider at your whim—trivial?
Ethan, when you urge me to be ‘gracious,’ do you mean you want me to be soft-hearted—or to submit?”