Chapter 239

Sophia's heart pounded harder.

She glanced at Liam, who seemed to want to say something but held back. Instead, he turned his attention to the group of women led by Isabella, his voice laced with bitter amusement. "The Sterling family has fallen from grace, so now you all look down on me. To think I'd stoop so low as to endure your insults."

He smirked, his tone sharpening. "But let me remind you of one thing—no matter what, I'm still Ethan Blackwood's cousin. And trust me, he won't stand by and watch if anything happens to me."

His gaze locked onto Isabella. "And you, Isabella—"

Isabella bristled. "How dare you address me so casually!"

Liam scoffed. "I don’t care if you’re Ethan’s so-called fiancée. The woman standing right here, Sophia, is the one Ethan personally brought back. And you know how protective he is of what’s his—even if it’s just a prisoner."

His voice dropped dangerously. "Cross that line, and none of you will walk away unscathed. Isabella, don’t overstep. Sophia belongs to Ethan, not you."

He smirked. "Frankly, to me, you’re nothing."

Isabella’s face twisted in fury. "You insolent—!"

Liam ignored her, turning to the stunned women instead. "What? Still here? Do you really want to risk being shipped off to some remote corner of the world in front of your families?"

The women paled.

"I—I’m sorry, Mr. Sterling! I’ll leave right now!"

"Please, forgive me! I didn’t mean any disrespect!"

One even stammered, "Mr. Sterling, I—I’ll do anything! Just don’t tell your cousin!"

Liam’s expression darkened. "Get. Out."

In seconds, the room emptied, leaving only Isabella behind.

"Come back here, you cowards!" she shrieked, but no one listened.

Furious, she raised her hand to strike Liam—but Sophia intercepted, slapping Isabella hard across the face.

Isabella staggered, clutching her cheek in shock. "You—you lowly prisoner! How dare you touch me? I’m Ethan’s fiancée!"

Sophia didn’t hesitate. She struck again, then kicked Isabella to the ground. "I don’t care whose fiancée you are. I’m already a prisoner with nothing left to lose. If I get the chance, I’ll make sure you regret everything."

She planted her foot on Isabella’s face, pressing down mercilessly.

Isabella screamed, writhing like a trapped animal. "Help! Someone help me!"

When Sophia had vented enough, Liam pulled her away, shutting the door on Isabella’s sobs.

He led Sophia to a quiet corner, studying her with a faint smile. "Still as fiery as ever, Sophia. Just like before."

Sophia met his gaze coolly. "What game are you playing now, Mr. Sterling?"

Liam’s expression faltered. "After all these years… you still can’t forgive me?"

She laughed humorlessly. "There’s nothing to forgive. I don’t hate you. I just want you to leave me alone."

"Sofia, listen—" He grabbed her wrist urgently. "I swear, from now on, I won’t—"

Just then, a man stumbled out of a nearby private room, spotting them. "Liam! There you are! The girls inside are getting impatient—oh?" His eyes flicked to Sophia. "Who’s this?"

Liam scowled. "Go back inside."

The man hesitated, but then more of Liam’s friends spilled into the hallway, grinning.

"Damn, Liam! Hiding a beauty out here?"

"Come on, share the fun!"

One of them, arm slung around a woman named Scarlett, smirked. "What’s so special about her? She looks like any other girl."

Scarlett giggled, eyeing Sophia with jealousy. "Maybe she’s got some secret tricks."

Liam’s jaw tightened. "She’s not like them. Stay away."

The men exchanged glances, amused. "Since when does Liam Sterling turn down a good time?"

Sophia watched them, her expression unreadable.

Liam exhaled sharply. "Just go back inside."

But the group lingered, their laughter loud and crude.

Sophia turned away, her heart cold.

Some things never changed.