Amanda stepped closer, her tone softer than I'd ever heard before.
Ethan's expression darkened in an instant, his eyes brimming with resentment as he glared at me.
I didn't react.
I had always known Ethan wasn't as harmless as he seemed. He had provoked me more than once in the past, and I had let it slide every time. But even the most patient man has his breaking point.
"I can go back with you. But what about him?"
Amanda stiffened.
She instinctively turned to look at Ethan.
Ethan immediately wiped the bitterness from his face, replacing it with the pitiful look of a kicked puppy.
He had the face of a movie star and the acting skills to match.
Amanda's hesitation flickered like a warning sign.
I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. "With talent like that, you're wasting your time here. Hollywood could use a guy like you."
Amanda's expression tightened, irritation flashing across her face. After a brief hesitation, she turned to Ethan and said, "Ethan, apologize to Lucas."
Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?! Why should I?!"
"You just should. Do it."
Amanda's tone was firm, allowing no argument.
Ethan's eyes reddened, his lips trembling as if he were about to burst into tears.
"Sis... do you not love me anymore?"
Amanda's icy demeanor faltered.
Watching the performance unfold before me, I felt nothing but disgust. Without another word, I turned and walked away.
Amanda immediately moved to follow.
But before she could take another step, Sophie—who had been silent this whole time—suddenly stepped in front of her.
"Move."
Amanda's face darkened.
"Why should I?" Sophie shot back without missing a beat.
Tension crackled between them. I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples.
"Let's go. They're not worth the time."
Sophie nodded and followed me onto the mall's escalator.
Still, Amanda wouldn't give up. She kept pace behind us, and Ethan, gritting his teeth, quickly caught up as well.
My patience was wearing dangerously thin.
This was supposed to be a relaxing weekend. Instead, it had turned into this mess.
"Lucas, just ignore them," Sophie murmured, tugging at my sleeve.
I forced a small smile.
"Alright."
Behind us, Amanda caught sight of the exchange, her fists clenching in frustration.
She suddenly surged forward, shoving Sophie aside.
"Lucas! Enough already!"
"I admit I was wrong before! If you come home with me, I'll cut Ethan off. Completely."