Chapter 412

Sophia's face turned deathly pale as she lunged for the phone. "Ethan! Don't touch that!"

Ethan had already unlocked the screen.

The video recording interface clearly displayed a blinking red dot.

"Explain." Ethan turned the phone toward Sophia, his gaze icy.

Vivian glimpsed the screen and instantly understood Sophia's scheme.

So that was it.

No wonder she'd been putting on that pitiful act earlier—she'd been secretly recording.

Sophia twisted her fingers together. "I just... I was afraid she'd attack me..."

Ethan gave a cold laugh and opened the gallery.

There was the in-flight recording of Fiona Grandelle's profile, captured in perfect clarity.

The most recent video showed Sophia weeping dramatically while pleading, "Please don't hit me."

If this footage went viral with some inflammatory captions, Vivian would instantly become public enemy number one.

"Sophia Evans." Ethan spoke each word with deliberate precision. "Do you take me for a fool?"

He swiftly deleted all the videos.

Now he finally saw the truth.

Those so-called "candid paparazzi shots," those press releases about "forgiving her attackers with grace"—all carefully staged performances.

Even those "scandalous photos" of them together had likely been orchestrated by Sophia herself.

"Ethan, you've got it all wrong, I was just—"

Ethan cut her off with a raised hand. "Effective immediately, I'm withdrawing all support from your team."

"What?" Sophia's head jerked up.

"Not another cent for your expenses." Ethan's sharp gaze pinned her. "If I catch you pulling another stunt—"

He paused meaningfully. "Especially against Vivian."

Sophia grabbed his sleeve desperately. "You can't do this! I'm—"

"Security." Ethan shook her off and took Vivian's hand. "Keep an eye on her."

In the hallway, Vivian yanked her hand back. "What was that about?"

Ethan turned. "Hmm?"

"I came here to settle scores." Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Did you drag me out because you thought I'd hurt her?"

Ethan shook his head. "Do whatever you want with her."

He stepped closer. "Want a public apology? Or..."

Vivian studied the man before her with raised eyebrows.

It seemed he'd finally seen Sophia for who she really was.