Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 468

Inside the small, out-of-the-way bistro, the air was so still you could hear a pin

drop. Sophia pressed her hand down with force, but her head turned slightly, eyes landing on Leonard, who stood a short distance away, phone raised.

There was a gap between them, a buffer of tension.

Sophia knew Leonard well enough—more than just an acquaintance. She understood his standing in the Montgomery family, the weight his word carried. But so what?

If she'd been the sort to fear that, she'd never have tangled with Mila in the first place. Truth was, within the Montgomery family, only two people truly held any real power: Lysander's father, and Mila. She'd already crossed Mila. What else was there to be afraid of?

Sophia shot Leonard a quick, dismissive glance before turning back to Mila, ready to drag her out the door. But Leonard spoke up, voice steady: "Ms. Pembroke, even if you take her with you today, it won't solve your son's problem. I suggest you answer this call."

Sophia didn't bother turning around. She paused, then asked, "Who is it?" "You'll know once you listen."

"So secretive." She sounded unimpressed, but called out, "Nathaniel."

Nathaniel, who'd been frozen in his seat, finally dared to move. His face was drained of color as he hurried to the doorway, took the phone from Leonard's outstretched hand, and passed it to Sophia at arm's length. Sophia, a cigarette burning between her lips, took the phone without so much as a glance.

Pinned by Sophia's fork against the hollow of her neck, Mila had managed to compose herself. She risked a sideways glance and caught a glimpse of the phone's screen-a number she didn't recognize.

Who could it be?

word. She pressed the phone to her ear, listened for a moment, one eyebrow arching in surprise. Her lips curled in a mocking, almost amused smile as she flicked

"Really?"

replied with a single question. Her tone eased; the tension in her shoulders faded. "Fine. But you know how I am

smile appeared on her face. She turned to Mila, the ember of her cigarette glowing in the gloom. "We'll call it a day for now. But my invitation stands-anytime you want to visit, I'll make you some homemade chicken soup." With that, she abruptly pulled away the fork and tossed it onto the table, rising from her chair and striding out. Nathaniel hesitated, glanced at Mila, wanting to speak but thinking better

body convulsed

strong arm and gently rubbing her back to help her catch her breath. He poured her a glass of warm water; Mila sipped gratefully, her raw throat easing only the slightest bit. Even so, speaking was

going to

He swept her up in his arms and strode out the door, passing

right behind

"Hey, Sophia!"

the alley. He grabbed his sister's arm, voice

times do I have to

Mila is a friend to our family-without her, those traffickers would've ruined Julian's life! And let's not forget, Julian's breakdown was because of you! How can you blame Mila for any of this? What will people think of us, after everything she's

ask her to

then that's his fate! But one thing won't stand for is him mistaking someone else for his mothe He belongs

stared at her, stunned. After a long moment, his voice trembled with disbelief. "What... What do you

see him as?" Sophia let out a cold laugh, her tone

myself when I was young and stupid, sleeping with some

Like father, like son.

toward the car waiting