Chapter 474

Sophia Laurent stepped through the Lowell family gates with Valdemar bodyguards and police officers in tow.

Her purpose was clear—to retrieve Dr. Preston Quincy and his research team.

She strode past the chaotic living room without pause, heading straight for the staircase.

"Stop!"

Richard Lowell's dark voice exploded behind her.

Sophia didn't even turn her head, her lips curling in a mocking smile.

"Does Mr. Lowell still want to frame me for theft?"

The words landed like a slap, making everyone present blanch.

Richard's Adam's apple bobbed, but no sound emerged.

He had truly loved Emily Lowell as his own daughter.

Had even defied objections to cast her as the lead in his film.

But that vicious, cruel voice on the phone had shattered his illusions.

Victoria Lowell stepped forward with tear-streaked cheeks.

"Sophia, we wronged you..."

Her voice trembled. "Your brother fainted from anger. Your father is heartbroken..."

Sophia's gaze turned glacial.

"Mrs. Lowell, does it matter how you feel about me now?"

The address struck Victoria like lightning.

Her lips quivered. "You called me...what?"

A flicker of impatience crossed Sophia's eyes.

"Isn't this what you always wanted?"

She swept her gaze over the pale-faced Lowells. "Why pretend to care now?"

Nathan Lowell opened his mouth but found no words.

He knew better than anyone how Sophia had suffered in this house.

Every conflict had ended with her taking the blame.

The forced marriage to comatose Alexander Valdemar was merely the last straw.

What truly drove her away was twenty years of accumulated wounds.

Daniel Lowell watched his sister's unyielding back, his chest tight.

The sister he'd once looked down upon had now become someone he couldn't hope to match.