Chapter 1
The receptionist's professional smile faded as she watched the man's arrogant demeanor.
"Sir, please mind your manners."
He scoffed, his face twisting with disdain.
"This is who I am. What can you possibly do about it?"
His contemptuous gaze swept over her. "Stay out of this. I'm here for Sophia Laurent..."
Sophia recognized that voice immediately.
It was Christopher Lowell, her third brother who'd made it big in the entertainment industry.
She approached with an impassive expression.
"Christopher, did dogs eat your manners?"
Her icy stare took in his slouching posture. "All you do is bark."
Christopher turned to face her.
The girl's clear eyes showed no trace of fear.
His anger morphed into bitter laughter.
"Look who's grown a backbone. Now you dare insult me?"
His tone turned snarky. "Impressive, Sophia."
Not only had she targeted Emily Lowell at every turn, now she dared challenge them directly?
"I heard you dethroned Nathan, stole William's project, and even sued Mother?"
"Why don't you just shoot for the moon while you're at it?"
Sophia remained unruffled.
"My affairs are none of your concern."
She looked at him like he was a joke. "I do as I please."
Christopher's brow furrowed.
"Emily said you'd changed. I didn't believe her."
Sophia's voice turned glacial.
"If you're done, get out. Pearl Group doesn't entertain rabid dogs."
He let out a cold laugh. "Who do you think you are, Sophia?"
Grabbing items from the reception desk, he hurled them to the ground.
The sound of shattering glass filled the air.
"You gutter-born bastard, how dare you speak to me like this?"
"Think you're somebody now?"
"I only tolerated you before out of respect for the Lowell name. But since you're courting death..."
"Pearl Group, huh? I'll come make trouble every day. Let's see how long you last..."
Sophia watched his tantrum calmly.
She'd been the one who propelled Christopher to stardom.
The "wealthy heir pursuing showbiz dreams" persona, coupled with carefully selected scripts, had won him countless fans.
Blind adoration made him increasingly reckless.
After all, Lowell Entertainment's PR team and obsessive fans always cleaned up his messes.
Sophia's gaze made him uneasy.
"What? Got a problem with me?"
"No."
She shook her head slightly. "I just didn't expect fame would cost you your brains too."