“Tell your people to open the door.”
He gave a mocking laugh, his expression smug—exactly like five years ago.
“Lily, it’s not every day we get to see each other. How can you leave after just a few words?”
“And you haven’t even settled the score for what you just said to my girlfriend.”
“You’d just walk away? Wouldn’t Sophia’s little pearl necklace have been lost for nothing?”
Sophia nestled pitifully into his arms, and Ethan clearly played the part of defending her honor.
“Since you’re here, don’t think about leaving so easily.”
Around us, the room buzzed with taunting voices.
“Sophia Brooks is the face of the Brooks family—the true heiress. Even with a boyfriend, she’s cherished, born to a life of privilege. Not like some barnyard stray, destined to be thrown out of her home.”
“And as for a certain illegitimate woman—so what if she’s got Brooks blood? She was kicked out five years ago, wasn’t she?”
“In three days, it’s Miss Brooks’ engagement party. And Lily? She probably won’t even have a man to show up with.”
“With her circumstances—no family power, no parental support—how could she possibly make it onto the social stage?”
“Exactly. She’s not even fit to carry Miss Brooks’ shoes.”