Chapter 171

Ethan's phone vibrated.

The screen displayed "Mother."

He swiped to answer.

Victoria's voice was shrill. "Where are you? Not answering for days! Don't you recognize your own mother anymore?"

Ethan's tone was flat. "Business trip. Busy."

"Come home now! Immediately! Don't call me Mom if you don't!"

The call ended.

Ethan frowned.

He drove back to the old mansion.

He heard the sound of shattering porcelain as soon as he reached the door.

He pushed the door open.

Victoria rushed at him.

She pointed a finger in his face. "What kind of woman did you find! Isabella's whole family are scoundrels! Her mother is a shrew! Vulgar and low-class!"

Ethan's expression remained blank.

Victoria grew more agitated. "I knew she was no good! You had to get involved with her! And got her pregnant! Now she's had a miscarriage and it's all our fault…"

Ethan cut in abruptly. "Miscarriage?"

"You didn't know?" Victoria was stunned.

Ethan's eyes darkened slightly.

He gave a faint, twisted smile.

That child was never meant to exist.

Good riddance.

Victoria took a deep breath. "Her mother caused a scene at my gathering today! Now everyone in our circle knows! If your father finds out…"

She shuddered at the thought of Julian.

Even after thirty years of marriage, she was still afraid.

"I never want to see anyone from the Langley family again! You deal with the mess you made!"

Victoria felt utterly disgusted.

She had showered three times but still felt dirty.

…

Sophia Sullivan lived a quiet life.

Her routine was the lab and home.

Data and papers kept her fulfilled.

She occasionally cooked a big meal.

She invited Olivia Lopez over to share it.

They took walks after dinner to buy fruit and beer.

They went home to watch shows and chat.

When tired, they lay in bed on their phones.

They shared secrets.

Olivia leaned in mysteriously. "Soph, I found one."

Sophia adjusted her pillow. "Found what?"

"A partner."

Sophia blinked.

Five seconds later, it clicked. "A boyfriend?"

"Fake!"

"Who? Do I know him?"

Olivia's eyes darted away. "Probably…"

Her phone suddenly rang.

She answered. "Got it. So annoying."

After hanging up, she started putting on her jacket. "Sorry, Soph. Something came up. I have to go."

Sophia nodded. "Drive safe."

Olivia walked out of the alley.

A flashy Maserati was parked by the curb.

Julian Winston tossed his cigarette butt.

He crushed it under his foot.

He strode over. "Too slow! I waited fifteen minutes!"

"You could have left if you didn't want to wait." Olivia pouted. "Is this how you ask for a favor?"

Julian took a deep breath.

He held back his anger.

This woman knew Taekwondo.

He couldn't win a fight.

He forced a smile. "It's an emergency! Can't you see I'm anxious, moving so slowly?"

"Get to the point." Olivia glanced at the car. "Got a cigarette?"

"Why?"

"Gimme one."

Julian was speechless.

He went back to the car for cigarettes and a lighter.

Olivia didn't take them.

She crossed her arms and looked at him.

Julian surrendered. "Am I finding a partner or a princess?"

He bent down to light her cigarette.

It was his first time lighting a cigarette for a woman.

His first time seeing someone look so good smoking.

"What's up?" Olivia blew a smoke ring.

The white haze blurred her features.

Julian said, "My mom heard we're dating. She insists on meeting you. Just gave me an ultimatum."

"We agreed to help each other out and mind our own business."

"I remember." Olivia nodded.

"I helped you with your mom. Now it's your turn to help me."

"Fine." Olivia agreed readily. "Just meeting the parents. I'll help you."

"Really?" Julian was skeptical.

"But there's a condition."

"See! What condition?"

"Lend me your car for two days." Olivia patted the hood.

Thump. Thump.

Julian winced. "Be gentle!"

"Deal or not?"

"Deal!" He tossed her the keys. "Only two days!"

Not a second more.

Olivia caught the keys. "Text me the time and place. Also, what kind of girl your mom likes. Hair length, style, clothes. Send it all."

"Is that necessary?"

"Of course." Olivia raised an eyebrow. "I'm very professional."

She finished her cigarette.

She stubbed it out on a lamppost.

Tossed it into a trash can.

The motion was fluid.

Julian stared, mesmerized.

"Come here." Olivia tilted her chin up.

"What for?" Julian stepped closer.

"Put your hand on my shoulder."

"Is that okay…" His hand was already on her shoulder.

Olivia's lip twitched. "What do you call me?"

"Olivia?"

"Wrong."

"Sweetheart?"

"Nope."

"Baby?"

"Disgusting!"

"Shrew!"

"Looking for a fight? Say it properly."

"Vivi—"

"That's more like it!"

Julian rubbed his nose. "Um… that wasn't me."

They turned around simultaneously.

Sophia stood at the mouth of the alley.

Holding her bag.

Her face was full of shock.