Chapter 15

Sophia's fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the medical report.

"What are the chances of success?" Her voice shook.

The doctor adjusted his glasses. "Less than thirty percent. I advise you to consider carefully."

Her legs felt like lead as she walked out of the examination room.

Her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.

"Hello?"

"Madam, this is the housekeeper at Westmount Villa. Your family is here - your parents and older brother."

Sophia froze.

Westmount Villa was Alexander's wedding gift. She hadn't even visited yet. How did the Lowells get the address?

"What do they want?"

"They said they came to see you. Shall I send them away?"

She bit her lip. "No. I'm on my way."

An hour later, the black sedan entered the gated community.

The luxury villas sat nestled among manicured gardens, each with private courtyards. Sophia's residence occupied the prime lot, valued at over a billion.

"Welcome home, Madam." The butler opened her car door.

Inside, Richard Lowell sipped tea from fine china while Victoria and William surveyed the leather furnishings.

"Sophia!" Richard rose with a broad smile.

She remained in the doorway. "What do you want?"

Victoria's face darkened. "Is that any way to speak to your parents?"

"Parents?" Sophia gave a humorless laugh. "Shall I remind you how you abandoned me in the countryside, Victoria?"

William slammed his hand on the table. "Sophia!"

"Was I wrong?" She met their gazes squarely. "When I had a 104-degree fever at eight, my adoptive parents made me scrub floors on my knees. At fifteen, I thought I was dying during my first period. Where were you?"

Victoria paled. "The Cunninghams would never—"

"Of course. You'd always trust your precious adopted daughter over me." Sophia clenched her fists. "Here for money?"

Richard waved his hands. "We just wanted to see how you're doing."

"Seen enough?" She pointed to the door. "Goodbye."

Victoria rushed forward and grabbed her arm. "How dare you treat us this way! We gave you life—"

"Giving life means nothing without raising it." Sophia shook her off. "Butler, show them out."

The medical report burned in her bag. These were her flesh and blood - always causing more pain when she needed help most.