Chapter 475

After the Starlight Design Awards concluded, Daniel Lowell pored over every single design Sophia Laurent had ever created. A tempest of emotions raged within him.

Her talent was beyond anything he could ever hope to achieve.

Only then did he realize—his internship at Versini Couture had been secured solely through Sophia's behind-the-scenes influence.

Even now, Daniel couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze.

He had no idea how to face her.

Meanwhile, Richard Lowell's face darkened with fury as he took in his wife's disheveled state. Veins bulged at his temples.

"You ungrateful wretch! Is that any way to speak to your mother?"

"Of course not. I could never measure up to your precious Emily." Sophia smoothed her skirt, lips curving slightly. "At least I don't steal other people's research."

Richard exploded.

His eyes bulged. His chest heaved. He looked moments away from collapsing.

Sophia watched coldly before turning on her heel.

Richard frowned and hurried after her.

His instincts screamed that Sophia had an agenda.

Sure enough, she headed straight for the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.

Daniel and Nathan exchanged glances. After quickly instructing their mother to care for William, they rushed to follow.

"Stop!" Richard blocked Sophia's path. "The top floor is a restricted research area. No unauthorized personnel allowed."

Though Emily had stolen Dr. Quincy's research, as long as the scientist remained at Lowell Entertainment, there was still room for negotiation.

Sophia glanced at the security guards standing at attention and understood everything.

"Don't be absurd, Mr. Lowell." Her voice rang clear. "That floor is leased to Dr. Quincy by me. It has nothing to do with Lowell Entertainment."

Richard's face drained of color.

Seeing the armed bodyguards and police officers behind Sophia, he forced himself to remain composed.

"Sophia," he said soothingly, "we were wrong about you in the past. From now on, you'll be the only daughter of the Lowell family."

Sophia arched a brow. "And?"

"Go home and rest during your pregnancy." Richard adopted a paternal tone. "Delivering the Valdemar heir is what matters most now."

Sophia laughed. "Still dreaming, Mr. Lowell?"

Ice glinted in her eyes.

The little girl who once yearned for familial love had died in the rainstorm a decade ago.

"Don't push your luck!" Richard snarled, humiliation burning through him.

Sophia's smile vanished. "Today," she enunciated each word, "I'm taking Dr. Quincy with me."