Chapter 26

A calculating glint flashed in Emily Lowell's eyes as her crimson lips parted. "Even if Sophia acts so arrogantly, she wouldn't dare sue her own mother publicly. That would be the ultimate act of filial impiety..."

Her fingertips tapped rhythmically on the table with absolute confidence.

She knew exactly how to wield the blade of public opinion.

Victoria Lowell's eyes lit up, her wrinkles smoothing out. "You're right! Parents are entitled to their children's money. If this goes to court, the public backlash would drown her!"

The more she thought about it, the more pleased she became.

A family like the Valdemars valued reputation above all else.

Would Sophia dare risk it?

"My clever girl." Victoria affectionately grasped her adopted daughter's hand. "Come, let's have afternoon tea. We'll invite Nathan too."

Emily nodded obediently, but coldness flickered in her gaze.

This time, she would utterly destroy Sophia's reputation.

...

Westmount Villa.

After blocking Ethan Winston's number, Sophia fell into a deep sleep.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns across her delicate features.

She slept until sunset.

Stretching lazily, she reached for her phone.

Several unknown calls were swiftly deleted.

Then a notification popped up:

[Breaking! Nathan Lowell and Emily Lowell to appear together on "We Are Singers"!]

Sophia arched an eyebrow and clicked.

The top five trending topics were all related.

Comments flooded in:

"OMG the perfect siblings!"

"The Lowell genes are insane! So talented!"

"Can't wait to hear Emily sing!"

Sophia chuckled softly.

All these years of praise must have inflated their egos beyond measure.

As she was about to exit, a private message appeared:

[Inviting Sophia Laurent to serve as special guest judge on "We Are Singers"...]