Chapter 7
When Ethan returned, he carried a gift and Sophia’s favorite cake.
He apologetically opened the cake box for Sophia, only to discover that someone had already taken a portion.
Looking embarrassed, he explained to Sophia, “Veronica hadn’t eaten breakfast and said she wanted some cake. I gave her a little piece. You don’t mind, do you?”
Sophia’s heart was too numb to feel the pain anymore.
Ethan knew she had a cleanliness obsession, yet he still gave cake meant for her to Veronica.
She laughed mockingly and looked at Ethan with cold, emotionless eyes. “What if I said I did mind?”
Sophia picked up the cake box and the gift then threw them directly into the trash.
Thirty minutes earlier, she had received a video from Veronica.
In the video, Veronica thoughtfully took out a pearl necklace that Ethan had once bought for Sophia at an auction, suggesting Ethan give it to her instead.
And Ethan had actually listened and brought the necklace home to humiliate her!
Seeing Sophia’s rejection, Ethan’s face darkened immediately, and his tone chilled.
“Veronica has had a difficult life. I see myself in her–nothing more. I just want to help her. How could a spoiled princess like you possibly understand what it’s like to depend on others for survival?”
The bedroom door slammed shut as Ethan went inside. Sophia stared at his retreating figure, letting out a small laugh, though her eyes filled with desolation.
So in Ethan’s heart, she was just a spoiled princess.
He had forgotten how this “princess” had rolled up her sleeves to fight the boys who bullied him, had written his detention essays over and over, had stood up to defend him when his mother questioned and scolded him, and had resolutely protected him against the tyranny of the Fuller family!
Ethan initiated the cold war, but this time, she had no desire to reconcile.
Veronica’s text messages quickly arrived:
“How did you like the gift, Mrs. Fuller?”
Sophia’s gaze fell on the cake box in the trash, her eyes showing no emotion.
Trash belongs in the trash can.
Mrs. Fuller–since you like the title so much, I’ll give it to you.
Sophia’s studio sold quickly for a high price. To show her appreciation, she made time to treat the broker to a meal.
Toward the end of dinner, people from the neighboring private room seemed to leave early, with laughter and chatter filling the hallway.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, only a few close friends remained, discussing private matters as if no one else were around.
“Ethan, have you thought this through? It’s fine to have some fun with Veronica, but are you really serious about her? Last time, you left Sophia alone at her birthday celebration–you didn’t see how upset she looked! We’ve all watched you two grow together. Do you really have to take things this far?”
“And faking your death? Isn’t that unfair to Sophia?”
The familiar voice suddenly reached Sophia’s ears.
The other person was waiting for the man to respond.
And Sophia was waiting too.
Finally, the man took a deep drag of his cigarette, his voice somewhat hoarse as he spoke, “Ill leave her the company and all my properties. She’ll be financially secure for life. Isn’t that enough?”
The person across from him clicked his tongue in disapproval. “But Sophia isn’t short on money herself.”
The man’s silence seemed to acknowledge this point, but shortly after, he laughed softly. “So, that’s why Veronica needs me
more.”
Sophia’s hand clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white, a buzzing filling her ears.
She didn’t even notice when the people outside left.
She sat still in her chair while the person across from her grew indignant.
“What kind of monster does such things these days!”
“Faking his death to deceive his wife and run off with his mistress? He’s heartless!”
Sophia regained her composure. She picked up her teacup and took a small sip, smiling as she responded.
“Indeed.”
When Sophia returned home, she received a call from her mother.
“The arrangements are complete. When is your flight?”
She glanced at her phone. “Three days from now.”
“Okay. I’ll have someone meet you at the airport.”
Just as the call ended, a cold voice suddenly appeared behind her.
“What are you doing in three days?”
