Chapter 404

Sophia Evans clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. "That's a blatant lie! She was the one who didn't hold it steady. Why pin it on me? I don't even know that passenger—why would I spill anything on her?" Her voice was shrill, but her eyes darted nervously.

Vivian Laurent smirked. Who would believe such a pathetic lie?

The flight attendant's eyes were red, her shoulders trembling slightly. Vivian handed her a tissue. "Go rest in the lounge. I'll handle this."

Grateful, the attendant nodded and hurried away. Vivian followed, whispering something to her.

Sophia craned her neck but couldn't catch the words. She only saw the attendant pause abruptly before heading to the beverage station.

"Sophia," Vivian said, returning and tapping the armrest with her fingertips. "Do you really think stubborn denial will get you out of this?"

Sophia gloated inwardly. She had recorded everything on her phone, even capturing Fiona Grandelle's furious outburst in perfect detail. Once the video went viral, she'd claim it was filmed by a fan. Ruining Fiona's reputation while playing the victim—what a perfect plan.

Suddenly, she removed her mask, revealing her swollen cheek. Tears welled up instantly. "Ethan..." Her voice trembled. "I only bumped into the flight attendant by accident, but Vivian insists on framing me..."

Ethan Roscente frowned.

"Stop pretending," Vivian snapped, slapping away Sophia's hand as she reached for Ethan. "Weren't you staking out my apartment last time to track Fiona's movements?"

Ethan's gaze turned icy. "You harassed Vivian?"

"I was just there for a medical consultation!" Sophia sobbed, her tears streaking her mascara. "Why do you always believe her over me?"

Just then, the flight attendant returned with a cup of water. Vivian took it—then flipped her wrist.

"Ah!" Sophia shrieked, leaping up as scalding water cascaded down her neck and into her collar, reddening her skin.

Vivian shook the empty cup. "Oops, my hand slipped." Her lips curved. "But someone as magnanimous as you wouldn't hold a grudge over a little accident, right?"

Sophia gasped in pain, her perfectly styled hair now soaked and clinging to her face, her smudged mascara making her look like a drowned rat.

Ethan turned away, his shoulders shaking suspiciously.