Chapter 17

"Sophia Laurent, have you lost your mind?" William Lowell slammed the table and stood abruptly. "Helping outsiders steal our family business? And you dare smile?"

Veins bulged at his temples as his finger jabbed violently at the desk.

"Is this your revenge for the arranged marriage?"

Sophia lounged in the leather sofa, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

"I'm happy. What's it to you?"

Her lilting voice carried a teasing hook.

William's face darkened. "I'll have Pearl Group fire you tomorrow."

"Pfft—"

Sophia doubled over with laughter.

"Call them now," she wiped tears of mirth from her eyes. "Shall I dial for you?"

Richard Lowell blew steam off his tea with deliberate slowness.

Victoria Lowell adjusted her shawl without looking up.

No one intervened.

They all waited to see their rebellious daughter fall.

William intentionally put the call on speakerphone.

"What an honor." Oliver Granger's voice crackled with static. "To what do I owe this call from the great William Lowell?"

Sophia snorted.

The Pearl CEO never followed conventional scripts.

"I want you to fire Sophia Laurent," William demanded bluntly.

Silence.

"Excuse me?" Oliver's tone turned peculiar.

"Name your price," William glared at Sophia. "Get her out of Pearl."

"HAHAHAHA—"

Booming laughter vibrated through the phone.

"Mr. Lowell," Oliver gasped between guffaws, "I suggest you visit a neurologist."

William froze.

Never in his life had he been publicly humiliated.

"Oliver Granger!" He ground his teeth. "Lowell Entertainment can crush Pearl like an ant!"

"Be my guest," came the lazy reply. "Do try harder."

The line went dead.

Crystal chandelier light fractured in Sophia's eyes.

She applauded softly.

"Bravo."