Chapter 320

Twilight descended as the Lowell mansion blazed with light.

Sophia Laurent stepped into the grand hall, her stilettos clicking against marble. The crystal chandelier cast dazzling prisms across her path.

"Sophia!" Richard Lowell hurried forward, his face creased with practiced warmth. "Our Michelin chef prepared bluefin tuna and foie gras with black truffles."

William Lowell pulled out a chair with exaggerated courtesy. "Sit here, sister."

Emily Lowell offered a napkin with trembling hands. "For your hands, sister."

Sophia observed this charade of familial harmony with icy detachment.

A decade ago when she'd first been brought to this house, they'd barely spared her a glance.

Now that she held the reins of Pearl Group, they'd suddenly learned to act.

An expensive Bordeaux gleamed on the table. Sophia lifted the glass, taking a measured sip.

"Sophia, about the biomedical project..." Richard ventured cautiously.

"Has Dr. Quincy made progress with the gene-editing technology?" Her fingers tapped the tabletop.

The Lowells' eyes lit up.

"Yes! Exactly! We've been waiting for your leadership."

Emily's eyes suddenly welled with tears. "Sister, it's all my fault..."

William immediately chimed in. "Emily was also a victim in the baby-switching incident."

Sophia set down her fork.

The metallic clatter silenced the table.

"Do I hate you?" Sophia locked eyes with Emily. "You're not even worth that."

Emily's face drained of color.

Her gaze instinctively sought Nathan Lowell, only to find him meticulously cutting his steak.

He didn't even look up.

Emily's nails dug into her palms.

Her once-protective fourth brother now couldn't be bothered to spare her a glance.