Chapter 455

Ethan Roscente had planned to visit Vivian Laurent the next day. But he changed his mind at the last minute, bringing Theo Evans to Sophia Evans' residence instead.

Theo clung to Ethan's sleeve as they stepped out of the car. The boy peeked at the front door with fearful eyes.

Sophia had been waiting. She had carefully styled the unblemished side of her face while covering the injured part with gauze. Hearing the doorbell, she immediately put on a bright smile.

"Ethan, you're finally here."

She knew he was her only lifeline. Without him, she had nothing.

"Theo wanted to see you," Ethan said coldly.

Sophia crouched down and reached out to the boy. "Come here, sweetheart."

Theo hesitated, looking to Ethan for reassurance.

"What's wrong? Don't you recognize your own mother?" Sophia's voice turned sharp.

Sensing the threat, Theo shuffled toward her reluctantly.

Sophia carried him into another room. The moment the door closed, her expression darkened as she whispered threats into the child's ear.

Soon, she returned to the living room with Theo in tow.

"Ethan, Theo says he wants to go shopping with us," she said sweetly. "Our family hasn't spent time together in so long."

Ethan frowned. "I'm busy."

Sophia pinched Theo's arm discreetly. Tears welled up in the boy's eyes from the pain.

"Uncle Ethan..." Theo sniffled. "I want to go with Mommy and Daddy..."

Seizing the moment, Sophia pressed, "Can't we fulfill our child's wish?"

Ethan shot her an icy glare. "Tell me what you want, and I'll buy it for you."

Sophia's smile froze. She knew today's plan had failed.

Theo watched his mother nervously, afraid she would lash out again.

Suppressing her rage, Sophia forced a gentle tone. "Then... next time, will you take me along?"

Ethan's expression gave her the answer before he spoke.

Her jaw tightened. It didn't matter. She had time. As long as she could still see Ethan, there would be other opportunities.

This game was just beginning.