Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 568

As the engagement party guests drifted in, they gathered in small clusters on the flower-strewn lawn, chatting and waiting for the event to begin. But inside the dressing room, tension hung thick in the air-a stark contrast to the easy laughter outside.

The door clicked shut and locked.

"Well, aren't you surprised to see me?"

Leaning lazily against the door, Sophia Pembroke cut a striking figure in her crimson suit. She snapped open a silver case, slid out a slender cigarette, and lit it with a practiced flick. Smoke curled from her lips as she regarded the woman in the shimmering tulle gown with an almost mocking smile.

A soft, amused chuckle.

"Women are always at their most beautiful at times like this."

"What do you want?"

Mila's voice was tight as she took a startled step back, pressing herself against the vanity. One hand, hidden by the trailing pink tulle at her wrist, fumbled across the table until her fingers found her phone.

She was just about to press the emergency contact when a rush of sharp, minty smoke filled the room. Sophia's hand shot out, pinning Mila's to the table and sending the phone skidding out of reach. Sophia's low laugh, tinged with the scent of menthol, brushed Mila's ear.

"What's the hurry?"

focus when you're

of smoke. "I don't recall inviting you. And keep your distance. That awful

of the gown-if she burned a hole in it, where would she find a replacement on such short notice? Custom pieces like this were one of a

had chosen her wedding

cigarette smoke was

clamped between her teeth, her eyes narrowing. "God, you're difficult." Her gaze turned icy. "Mila. We're not finished, you and I. Julian's

with

yanked forward, her balance thrown off. She stumbled against the vanity as the forceful grip dragged her, sending glass bottles and jars

didn't try to pull away. Instead, she quickly gathered her gown and darted behind Sophia, using her as a

of bottles echoed,

Relief washed over her—it was unscathed. But

grip on Mila's

turned, her expression

not missing a beat. "And I told you last time-Julian's situation is something you and Lysander brought on yourselves. Don't blame me for everything. I feel for Julian, I want to help, but that doesn't mean

Sophia's brow furrowed.

mother, have time to harass me, but not to stay by his side? Shouldn't you be at the hospital? And your neck-you're still bandaged. Should you

gaze landed pointedly on the

eyes scanning Mila's calm face. After a tense pause, she

that's why you didn't invite