Liam Winston let out a cold laugh.
His gaze at Sophia Sullivan was filled with undisguised contempt.
"Noah Valentine is an internationally renowned manga artist. Sophia, have you lost your mind? How dare you claim his work as yours? What a delusional fantasy!"
Noah's works had recently taken the global market by storm.
Moreover, Chloe Evans had personally met him in Italy two years ago.
His talent was undeniable.
Liam was convinced Sophia was spouting nonsense.
Chloe nestled weakly against Liam's chest.
Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.
"Don't be angry, Liam. You know how my sister loves her little jokes."
She'd finally gotten her chance to humiliate Sophia.
There was no way she'd let it slip by.
Sophia's retort came sharp and immediate.
"Do you two share some genetic predisposition for nosiness and blindness? If so, I can recommend an excellent psychiatrist. Family discount included."
Chloe's face paled with rage.
"You—!"
She wanted to retaliate but didn't dare lay hands on Sophia.
She'd witnessed Sophia's combat skills firsthand.
Liam's expression flickered momentarily.
Memories surfaced of Sophia braving a storm to fetch a doctor when he'd fallen ill years ago.
All to ensure he received timely treatment.
Three years had passed.
Now she stood before him—unrecognizable, bristling with hostility.
Noah's eyes darted between them.
"You know each other?"
Liam smoothly produced an embossed business card.
"Liam Winston, CEO of Winston Group."
His glance at Sophia was dismissive.
"Her? We have... history. Now she's just psychotic."
The last word came through gritted teeth.
How dare she lay hands on him!
Noah's eyes lit up at the card.
His smile gained sudden sincerity.
"CEO Winston! I've heard so much about you."
Liam's tone remained cool.
"Chloe recommended your manga highly. We came specifically to show support today. Perhaps we can explore collaborations."
His meaningful look at Sophia carried clear warning.
"As for certain opportunists who'll stoop to anything for profit—if anyone attempts fraudulent claims here, they'll regret it."
Chloe added sweetly,
"Don't worry. In A-City, there's no problem the Winstons can't handle."
New to the city, Noah bought their bluff.
He actually believed the Winstons were some untouchable elite.
His sidelong glance at Sophia found her expression unreadable.
Assuming she was cowed by the Winston name, smugness crept into his gaze.
"Let's be merciful. I've no interest in pursuing this."
Noah shrugged with feigned weariness.
Like a man exhausted by petty harassments.
"Artistic parallels exist. But when amateurs see masterpieces and cry plagiarism? Happens all the time."
Noah's confidence stemmed from knowing Sophia couldn't produce original drafts.
He'd secretly hidden all her early works years ago.
Even if she told the truth, she had no proof!
Chloe quickly smoothed things over.
"Noah's being so generous. But don't blame my sister too harshly. Freshly divorced women often... lash out irrationally."
Noah blinked, surprised by Sophia's marital history.
"Understood." His tone turned mocking. "No wonder she's so bitter."
The trio's coordinated performance was seamless.
Sophia leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
Amusement and derision played across her features.
"What a perfect toxic trio. Who knew one casual remark could trigger you all so completely?"
Liam's temper flared at her expression.
Past humiliations rose bitter in his throat.
That effortless composure of hers always left him feeling... diminished.
"Enough, Sophia. First you cut in line, now you stalk Noah to his lounge? Have you no shame?"
"Compared to the Winston heir whose wedding became A-City's laughingstock? Bold of you to show your face in public."
Sophia's voice dripped with implication.
"And Miss Evans certainly collects 'brothers' like trophies."
The direct hit made Chloe flush with anger.
"We're just close friends! Stop spreading lies!"
Liam's face darkened further.
Family scandals weren't for public airing.
That disastrous wedding had indeed been... regrettable.