Chapter 4

Sophia's POV

Renee hadn't come to class these past few days.

Ethan told me.

"Do you think something happened to her?"

He kept checking his phone, but there were no messages.

"Maybe she can't come up with that much money for the investment, so she doesn't want to contact you anymore." I brushed past him toward the door. "Were you really counting on her?"

Ethan frowned.

He turned around and stared at me. "Where are you going?"

"Meeting a friend." I grabbed my car keys.

"You seem to be going out alone a lot lately." He seemed to be complaining.

"Do you want to come with me?" I met his gaze.

He nodded and was about to come over when suddenly his phone rang. He glanced at it, then looked at me apologetically. "I have something here, so..."

"Fine."

I cut him off and walked straight out.

The friend I was meeting was a divorce lawyer.

"The divorce agreement is ready."

I handed the lawyer the photos I'd taken while following him and Renee on their dates, mostly hand holding, hugging, and other intimate interactions.

"Using these as evidence of his marital betrayal isn't sufficient enough."

I put the photos back in the folder.

"What level of evidence do I need to collect before you're confident you can help me claim all the assets?"

"All the assets?"

I looked up, confirming with her again. "Yes. Everything. I want to take away everything he has."

Before leaving, the lawyer told me I needed more direct evidence.

More direct...

I opened my phone, found the location tracker on Ethan's car, and drove to the spot, a mountain road.

Ethan and Renee stood by the roadside.

I couldn't hear what they were saying, but when Renee tried to take his hand, Ethan coldly pulled away.

I sat in my car, taking the opportunity to photograph them. But while checking the photos, I suddenly noticed Ethan looking in my direction.

Not good. He recognized my car.

My heart raced. I immediately drove off.

In the rearview mirror, I saw Ethan's car in hot pursuit.

My heart pounded as I stepped on the gas, accelerating continuously. I'd barely managed to shake him off when a car came slowly around a bend. I slammed on the brakes and jerked the steering wheel, but still ended up with serious scraping.

Damn it. A Bentley, too.

I pounded the steering wheel. I had no choice but to get out. I was about to apologize when I discovered the person getting out of the car was Sebastian Hart.

"It's you?"

At least he still remembered me.

Sebastian glanced at my aggressive driving. "Practicing drifting?"

I had nowhere else to turn, so I had to ask him for help.

"I've been discovered. My husband's car is behind me..."

Sebastian was speechless.

He had his driver take my car away.

I got into Sebastian's car. He drove while I sat in the passenger seat.

Ethan's name popped up on my phone screen.

I declined. It rang again.

Only when Sebastian told me to answer did I dare pick up.

"Honey, are you nearby? I think I saw your car on the road."

There was unmistakable tension in Ethan's voice.

"My car got into a small accident. Someone probably drove it to get it fixed."

"Oh, I see." Ethan relaxed. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Where are you now? Should I come pick you up?"

I instinctively glanced at Sebastian, paused for a second. "No need. I got a ride."

The call ended.

Sebastian gripped the steering wheel and chuckled softly. "You're both excellent liars."

I fell silent for a moment.

The car drove along the mountain road. The scenery outside was beautiful as an oil painting.

"Mr. Hart, this doesn't seem like the way back to the city."

"Mm." He answered unconcernedly. "I have plans today. I'm meeting someone for dinner."

I was confused. "Ah, then what about me...?"

"I gave you a ride because it was on the way. Wherever I'm going, that's where you get off. Isn't that right?" Sebastian turned to look at me.

I frowned and opened my mouth. "What am I supposed to do at your dinner?"

His fingertip tapped the steering wheel lightly as he slowly spoke. "If you leave, it's a hit-and-run."

"I..."

I was forced to join Sebastian for dinner.

The place was hidden deep in the mountains and forest, a Michelin restaurant that required advance reservations.

Sebastian's friends were all waiting for him.

"You're always the most punctual. Why are you late today?"

"Got in a car accident. Lucky I came out alright."

Everyone fell silent.

I sat next to him, feeling extremely nervous.

Especially during dinner when my phone kept ringing. Ethan was looking for me.

I stood up. Someone looked over. Sebastian explained for me, "Her husband is very concerned about her whereabouts."

"...Huh?"

Now everyone looked over at once.

I stood there, opened my mouth, but decided to keep quiet. I turned to take the call.

Through the receiver, Ethan's voice sounded strained. "Why aren't you answering my calls?"

I glanced at the screen. Over ten missed calls.

"I'm having dinner with a friend."

"What friend? Male or female? Do I know them..."

I was getting a headache. "You don't know them."

Ethan on the other end fell silent.

I hung up and was about to go back when I overheard someone say, "I didn't expect you to like this type now."

"Just an ordinary friend." Sebastian focused on his meal.

Everyone went quiet.

After a while, I returned to my seat, pretending I hadn't heard.

But his friends suddenly became interested in me.

"Sebastian, Miss... looks very young. How many years have you been married?"

He looked directly at me. "How many years?"

I felt awkward. "Three years."

His friend pressed on. "What does Miss... do for work?"

Sebastian turned his head. "Right, you're a..."

"Music teacher." I quickly took over.

"That's nice." He nodded approvingly.

His friend crossed his arms, glancing at him helplessly. "How do you know nothing about her?"

Sebastian put down his knife and fork.

"I know her husband found a mistress. Their marriage is broken and they're about to divorce. Isn't that enough?"