Chapter 128

Richard Lowell slammed his teacup onto the coffee table with a jarring clatter.

"Sophia Laurent has gone completely rogue! The Valdemars doing her the favor of disciplining her should be considered a blessing."

His face darkened with rage, veins bulging at his temples.

"We arranged that marriage hoping she'd support the family. Instead, she's working against us at every turn."

William Lowell smirked, fingers drumming against the armrest.

"Does she actually believe the Valdemars value her? She's just a disposable ornament."

"Everyone knows she's the other woman who broke up a relationship. The Valdemars prize their reputation—they'll discard her soon enough."

His eyes narrowed with icy malice.

"Once the Valdemar succession is settled, no matter who takes charge, she'll face consequences."

Richard snorted, lifting a freshly poured cup.

"Pearl Entertainment is doomed. That narrow-minded girl thinks she's fit to lead?"

William suddenly wore a calculating smile.

"If she had any sense, she'd merge Pearl Entertainment with Lowell Entertainment now to save herself."

"Pity..."

Richard shook his head in disdain.

"Trash from the gutter will always be trash."

Victoria Lowell sat silently in the corner.

She remembered the first time she saw Sophia—a timid girl in ill-fitting hand-me-downs, standing awkwardly at the doorway.

She'd wept from pity then.

But now...

Sophia's constant hostility toward Emily and erratic behavior made affection impossible.

Emily was so considerate.

Not only gentle and attentive, but she'd even covered that nine-million deficit.

As for Sophia...

If only she'd return to that docile girl from before, perhaps there'd still be hope.

Emily Lowell lingered at the staircase landing, lips curling upward.

Blood daughter or not?

She'd been thoroughly eclipsed by her adopted sister.

What did Sophia's competence matter?

In the Lowell family, no one would ever take her side.

Ethan Winston wouldn't spare her a second glance either.

She was destined to be the joke.

Online sentiment had completely reversed after Ethan's statement.

The internet flooded with vitriol against Sophia.

"Congratulations to Mr. Winston and Miss Evans! Some people should know their place."

"Childhood sweethearts are so pure. Homewreckers should disappear."

"Mr. Winston's direct rebuke must sting. How's that face feeling, Miss Laurent?"

Each comment cut deeper than the last.