Chapter 5

Sophia's POV

The next day was Richard's eightieth birthday banquet.

He was the person in the Carter family who treated me best.

For five years, I'd been in charge of Richard's birthday, and this year was no exception.

Guest list, menu, seating arrangements, decoration process. I handled each item.

That day, I arrived very early.

When the banquet began and guests started arriving, Ethan appeared.

I hadn't expected him to come with someone.

Holding his arm was Isabella in a wine-red low-cut gown.

Her hair was pinned up high, her makeup exquisite. Her bright eyes gazed at Ethan as if she were his wife.

The two walked into the hall side by side. They looked like the married couple.

Isabella glanced at me, the arrogance and pride in her eyes unconcealed.

Murmurs from the surrounding guests immediately rose up.

"Isn't that Miss Hart? Ethan actually brought her back. Mrs. Carter..."

"With so many people here today, isn't this humiliating his actual wife?"

My expression remained calm as I continued chatting warmly with each guest.

Richard sat in the seat of honor, seeing everything clearly.

Ethan approached, wanting to offer some birthday wishes to Richard.

Richard leaned on his cane, his eyes landing on Isabella. "Who is this?" he asked coldly.

Ethan glanced at me. "This is my secretary. I just came from the office and brought her along."

Richard looked at him coldly. "Today is my birthday. Did you get my permission to bring your secretary? You're incredibly rude!"

Ethan's brow furrowed, but he said nothing.

I saw his chest rising and falling violently and quickly stepped forward to soothe Richard. "Please don't be angry. Today is your birthday. Don't let these small matters upset you."

His expression finally eased a bit. He patted my hand and sighed. "Sophia still cares about me."

Ethan stood nearby, watching this scene, his eyes darkening.

Ethan coldly averted his gaze and led Isabella away to mingle with guests.

When some guests saw Isabella, they politely looked her over and said with a smile, "Mr. Carter, this young lady at your side is quite elegant."

Ethan didn't deny it, just tugged his lips slightly.

Isabella was delighted, leaning into his arm and looking up at him with a smile.

He didn't dodge or stop her.

His gaze kept involuntarily looking in my direction.

I pretended not to see his eyes, continuing to greet guests with a smile, my manner composed.

If this were before, seeing this scene would have made my eyes turn red.

But this time, I did nothing.

Halfway through the banquet, Ethan left to take a call.

Isabella took the opportunity to walk over to me, her tone light.

"Mrs. Carter, let me tell you something." She pointed at my hand. "That ring of yours? I put it on my dog's collar. My dog really likes that ring."

I looked at her and laughed softly. "As long as you like it."

Isabella's smile froze.

She wanted to see me angry, but didn't, and a hint of gloom flashed in her eyes.

Isabella slowly backed away, quietly approaching the long table behind her with its champagne tower, and grabbed a corner of the tablecloth.

The next second, the champagne tower collapsed with a crash. Dozens of glasses with liquid rushed toward Isabella and me.

Guests shrieked.

Not far away, Ethan's face changed dramatically as he rushed over. "Isabella!"

He rushed toward Isabella, pulling her into his arms to protect her.

Glass shards and champagne crashed toward me. I couldn't dodge in time and could only raise my arms to protect my head and face. The massive impact knocked me to the ground.

Glass fragments pierced my arms and shoulders. Blood quickly soaked through my dress.

In the last moment before losing consciousness, I saw Ethan holding Isabella tightly in his arms, anxiously calling her name.

That embrace had no place for me, and never had.