Chapter 181

Sophia Laurent despised her idle uncle Derek Langley to the core.

She turned to leave immediately.

Derek grabbed her wrist forcefully.

"Why the hurry, Sophia?"

He eyed his niece with narrowed eyes.

Sophia's porcelain skin glowed, her delicate features a stark contrast to the sun-darkened village girls.

Derek had long known Sophia's true origins.

This so-called "niece" was actually a wealthy city heiress.

He licked his lips.

The village women had grown boring.

He'd never tasted nobility before.

"Let's play a game, niece..."

Sophia forced composure.

"Mother's visiting today. I must meet her at the village entrance."

She used Derek's own sister as a shield.

Derek sneered.

"Your mother visiting you?"

He knew exactly how his sister treated this adopted daughter.

"Liars deserve punishment..."

Sophia shivered at his lecherous grin.

She suddenly bent down and sank her teeth into Derek's hand.

"Ah!"

Derek released her in pain.

Then slapped her hard across the face.

Sophia's cheek burned.

She ignored the pain and bolted.

"You little bitch!"

Derek roared, chasing after her.

Sophia darted nimbly through the trees.

But soon, a raging river blocked her path.

The dark waters churned violently.

With Derek closing in behind her...

Sophia clenched her teeth.

And leaped into the torrent.

Derek reached the bank, stunned.

The current was too dangerous even for him.

He ran along the shore briefly.

Sophia had already vanished beneath the rapids.

Returning to the spot...

Derek picked up Sophia's abandoned basket.

And tossed it into the river.

Deep wilderness. Who'd know the truth?

A girl picking mushrooms alone could easily drown.

He hummed a tune back to the village.

Resumed harassing passing women.

As if nothing had happened.