Chapter 113

"Sophia Evans, how do you explain your fingerprints on the brake pads?" Ethan Roscente's voice was icy.

His scrutinizing gaze bore into her.

The Sophia he remembered was gentle and considerate, maintaining her kindness despite humble beginnings.

She had always upheld her principles in the cutthroat entertainment industry.

For years, he had looked out for her at his late brother's request.

But this woman who tampered with the brakes was unrecognizable to him.

"Ethan, are you convicting me based on a blurry video? She broke my wrist—I'm the victim here!" Sophia refused to admit guilt.

"I gave up my career abroad to return for you. You promised Alexander you'd take care of me. If he were still here, he'd never let me suffer like this."

Tears streamed down her face like broken pearls.

Ethan's anger cooled slightly at her display of emotion.

"I'll find out the truth. Why would you harm a stranger like this?"

Sophia bit her lip, eyes glistening. "After all these years, you'd rather trust an outsider than me?"

Ethan fell silent. The Sophia he knew wouldn't do such things.

But Vivian Laurent never acted without reason. Frustrated, he rubbed his temples.

"Did you know each other before?" he asked, changing the subject.

Seeing his softened demeanor, Sophia relaxed slightly.

"You didn't know she's AN? Last time, she bullied Victoria during the International Perfumery Awards. She must have recognized me today and framed me deliberately! That video doesn't even show faces clearly—what kind of evidence is that?"

Her attack on Vivian stemmed from noticing Ethan's unusual interest in the woman.

"AN?" Ethan's pupils constricted.

He had considered the possibility before dismissing it. AN had been established for years—how old was Vivian?

So she wasn't just Dr. Luna and racer W, but also fashion designer AN.

The girl was like a diamond, each facet dazzling brilliantly.

"Ethan, is she interested in you? She targeted me last time and framed me now. My instincts say she's getting close to you with ulterior motives." Sophia seized the chance to slander.

"Enough!" Ethan cut her off sharply. "I'll judge her character myself."

Vivian couldn't even be bothered to glance at him—how could she be scheming against him?

Seeing his defense of Vivian, Sophia felt a thorn pierce her heart.

"Was she the woman on the phone last time?" This mattered most to her.

Ethan had never had women around him all these years.

"No." His answer was crisp. That had been his ex-wife, not Vivian.

Sophia studied his expression carefully. Convinced he wasn't lying, she relaxed slightly.

But the intimidating woman still posed a threat.

"You called her Dr. Laurent? Isn't she a perfumer? What's her full name?" Sophia probed further.