Sophia Sullivan returned to the Robinson residence from The Underground City, intending to bid farewell to Isabella Robinson.
Isabella jumped up immediately, her eyes wide with shock. "What? You're moving out? I won't allow it! The Robinson estate is huge—there's more than enough space for you!"
Her voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes. "What am I supposed to do without you? At least here, no one dares to touch a Robinson. I don’t want you to go..."
Sophia hadn’t expected such an emotional reaction. She sighed softly. "Isabella, we both have our own responsibilities. Didn’t your father summon you to the company these past few days? I have server maintenance work in The Underground City. It’s just more convenient to move closer."
Isabella opened her mouth to protest, but Sophia reached out and ruffled her hair gently.
"Don’t worry. I’ll visit whenever I can."
Isabella knew her friend wouldn’t change her mind once decided. She hugged Sophia sulkily. "Promise me you’ll call me immediately if you’re ever in danger."
Sophia smiled and nodded. "Of course."
The next morning, Sophia was awakened by her ringing phone.
The caller ID showed Mr. Winston Sr.
She frowned. Had Mrs. Winston failed to obtain the medicine and now sent the old man to intervene?
After a brief hesitation, she answered—only to hear Mrs. Winston’s voice instead.
"Sophia, I hate to bother you, but Mr. Winston Sr. started coughing up blood again. He’s being treated by his private physician at the estate. He keeps asking for you, but seeing Liam makes his condition worse. I had no choice but to call."
Sophia froze.
Mr. Winston Sr. had always treated her like his own granddaughter. That bond meant everything to her.
Without another thought, she rushed downstairs and drove straight to The Winston Estate.
But when she entered the living room, only Mrs. Winston and Liam Winston were there.
"Sophia, you’re here. Please, sit." Mrs. Winston forced a weak smile.
Her face was pale, clearly suffering from another neuropathic headache. She swayed slightly as she stood—a woman of her status lowering herself like this was already a significant gesture.
Liam, however, looked furious.
The previous night, he had been trapped in The Underground City’s warehouse for five hours—pitch black, swarming with insects. After being rescued, he had scratched himself raw and barely slept. And now, he had to face her again!
Sophia saw through their act immediately. She had no patience for games. "Where’s Grandpa?"
Mrs. Winston smiled. "I know how close you two are, but he’s already left for Switzerland’s top medical facility. Don’t worry."
"You just said he was here under his private physician’s care—"
Sophia realized instantly—this was a trap.
They had used Mr. Winston Sr. to lure her here!
She stood to leave, but Mrs. Winston staggered forward and grabbed her arm.
"Sophia, these past three years, haven’t I treated you well? Didn’t I take you to every important event? Didn’t I buy you the latest luxury items first? I truly saw you as my own daughter. Chloe Evans isn’t fit to hold a candle to you! But I have my reasons—if you resent me, I understand, but—"
Sophia recognized this script—it was identical to Chloe’s manipulative rhetoric.
She coldly shook off Mrs. Winston’s grip. "Why bring this up now? Everything was settled during the divorce. Chloe is your daughter-in-law now."
Mrs. Winston’s face stiffened, her hatred for Chloe deepening. If not for that troublemaker, things wouldn’t have come to this!
She pleaded desperately, "Just help me get the medicine one more time through your connections. I’ll pay whatever it takes!"