"You remember me, Sophia."
Leo Carter stood before her, his short and stocky frame earning him the childhood nickname "The Squash" at the orphanage.
The security guard eyed him suspiciously, unable to fathom why someone like him would be loitering in the high-rise parking garage.
Bitter resentment simmered in Leo's chest as he fantasized about humiliating everyone who had ever looked down on him.
The moment Sophia appeared, he eagerly approached.
"We go way back," he said, his gaze sweeping over her designer clothes and handbag.
Chloe had been right—Sophia had truly climbed the social ladder.
And she had grown even more beautiful.
Leo flashed an ingratiating smile.
"Childhood friends reunited after all these years. I've missed you so much—"
Sophia scoffed, casting him a lazy glance.
"Friends? You?"
Her eyes raked over him with undisguised contempt.
"You call stealing my toys, cutting my hair, stealing my pocket money, and turning everyone against me friendship?"
Her voice was ice.
"Disappear before I lose my temper."
Leo was all ego despite his failures.
Her rejection stung his pride.
But the thought of the five-million-dollar reward kept him in check. He forced a wounded expression.
"How can you say that, Sophia?"
Mimicking a melodramatic soap opera scene, he blinked back fake tears.
"I never forgot you! I only bullied you because I liked you—I wanted your attention!"
Only a naive girl would fall for such nonsense.
Sophia burst out laughing.
"Too broke to afford a mirror now?"
She gave him a once-over.
"If you wanted attention, why not hang yourself in this parking lot? The whole city would notice you tomorrow."
Her lips curled.
"Want me to get you a rope?"
Leo stiffened.
Since when had she become so sharp-tongued?
Swallowing his rage, he mustered a lovesick look.
"I was just a dumb kid! Boys tease the girls they like. But I've grown up now—be with me. I'll take care of you!"
He ran a hand through his hair, oozing confidence.
"You must still have feelings for me. Otherwise, why remember me so clearly?"
Sophia couldn't even look at him.
The delusion was staggering.
"Last warning. Move, or I'll make you."