Sophie's lashes quivered. In that moment, everything became clear—Ethan Lancaster was the head of the Lancaster family.
No wonder Emily had shown up here today, desperate to reclaim her identity as "Mrs. Lancaster."
The Lancaster family was the wealthiest, most powerful family in the city, shrouded in mystery and legend.Everyone in Yecheng knew about its young master. Rumor had it he was dignified, aristocratic, dangerously handsome, and the youngest genius in the world of business—a modern-day titan.
Emily had dreamed her entire life of marrying such a powerful man.But two years ago, when the Lancaster family came to propose, it wasn't the heir she expected—it was Ethan, the illegitimate son.
Disappointed and humiliated, she forced Sophie to take her place at the altar.
Sophie looked at her with eyes clear as ice."I know everything."
Emily's lips curled as she stepped forward. With a cold smirk, she wiped the foundation off Sophie's right cheek.
A long, jagged scar emerged beneath the smeared makeup—ugly and raw.
They looked nearly identical, but Sophie had always needed layers of concealer to impersonate Emily.
After all, Sophie was just a clown girl from the countryside. And Emily? The most beautiful woman in Yecheng—or so she liked to believe.
Just then, a maid rushed in, breathless."Madam, the young master has returned!"
Ethan Lancaster was back.
Emily shot Sophie a warning glare, then quickly adjusted her dress and greeted him with a bright, saccharine smile.
The villa doors swung open, letting in a gust of winter wind—followed by a tall, commanding figure.
Sophie looked up.
It was him.
He wore a tailored black suit, handmade and flawlessly pressed, radiating wealth and authority.His features were like they'd been sculpted—harsh, sharp, and stunning. Even his profile could have graced the cover of a luxury magazine.
The man from last night.
Memories flooded Sophie's mind in a crashing wave. His breath against her skin. The way he moved. The weight of his body.Her lashes fluttered. She quickly lowered her head.
"Darling~" Emily rushed toward him, voice syrupy-sweet."You were so rough with me at the hotel last night~ my body still hurts."
Before she could reach him, Ethan seized her wrist midair.
His voice was cold enough to freeze bone."You dared to send yourself to my bed? If you have a death wish, just say it."
Emily winced as his grip tightened, her delicate arm nearly crushed in his grasp.
"B-baby, let me explain! It wasn't me, it was— it was your grandmother!"She scrambled for excuses."She said it was time for us to consummate the marriage and… and she drugged me. She gave me your room key too! I'm a victim here!"
The grandmother again. Ethan's expression darkened.
In the corner, Sophie stood frozen, heart pounding.She'd heard of how ruthless the head of the Lancaster family could be in business—ruthless, cold, unforgiving.
If he discovered she was the one in his bed last night… she was done for.
She turned to slip away—
"Stop."
His voice was low, but full of command.
Sophie froze. Her heart thudded wildly.Had he recognized her?
Ethan's long legs carried him swiftly across the room. He stopped in front of her, towering over her, exuding a pressure she could barely breathe under.
"Who are you?"His gaze was sharp. "Look at me."
Sophie curled her fingers nervously and slowly lifted her face.
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers—those deep, wet black-and-white eyes. Bright and clear, soft yet defiant.
His pupils contracted. Those eyes.They were the same as the ones from last night. Mesmerizing. Intoxicating. Unforgettable.
His voice dropped, sharp and certain."It was you."
Oh no.He remembered her.