Sophia Sullivan smirked inwardly.
Reasoning was pointless in such situations.
What mattered was controlling the narrative.
Who could spin the most dramatic tale.
Liam Winston turned livid with rage.
Sophia remained unfazed.
Her peripheral vision caught a familiar figure.
Ian Gallagher had arrived right on time.
Sophia quickly adjusted her expression.
She turned to Leo Carter and sighed softly.
"We've known each other for years."
"I didn't want to expose your past publicly."
"But your blatant lies are truly disappointing."
She deliberately dredged up old history.
"You've had a stealing compulsion since childhood."
"The police records are still available."
"Even worse is your violent tendencies."
"You've failed every psychiatric evaluation."
"Everyone at the orphanage knew you had issues."
Her eyes brimmed with pity.
"Out of respect for our shared orphanage background."
"I've tolerated your behavior all this time."
"Yet you deluded yourself into thinking we dated."
"And came here to harass me."
"This time, I won't let it slide!"
Leo exploded with fury.
"Who the hell are you calling psychotic?"
Sophia responded calmly.
"It's all there in your medical records."
"One verification will prove who's insane."
"That's bullshit!"
Leo trembled with rage.
"These are all lies!"
Though Ian didn't understand the full context.
He knew Sophia's instructions well.
He moved silently through the crowd.
As he brushed past Leo.
He pressed a micro syringe against Leo's neck.
The needle was hair-thin.
The sting vanished instantly.
Leo noticed nothing.
Ian's movements were swift and precise.
But they didn't escape Sophia's notice.
Their eyes met briefly.
An unspoken understanding passed between them.
The drug took effect quickly.
Leo's gaze suddenly glazed over.
Rage boiled in his chest.
"You bitch! All you do is spread lies!"
"You're the crazy one! Your whole family is!"
He clearly couldn't control his emotions.
His rationality was crumbling fast.
Agitation made him stamp his feet.
He suddenly lunged at Sophia with clenched fists.
Sophia feigned panic, stepping back.
Playing the victim perfectly.
"Leo, calm down!"
"Are you having another episode like yesterday?"
The crowd instinctively recoiled.
The man's outburst seemed unhinged.
Could he really have mental issues?
Their fearful reactions further provoked Leo.
He grew more frenzied, like a rabid dog.
"What are you all staring at?"
"Aren't reporters supposed to seek justice?"
"Make them pay my medical bills!"
His words became increasingly incoherent.
"You're all just a bunch of parasites!"
Even the journalists backed away.
His ramblings seemed deranged.
This cast serious doubt on his earlier accusations.
As people avoided him, Leo's hallucinations intensified.
He suddenly charged at Chloe Evans.
"Ms. Evans, why the silence?"
"You promised money for smearing Sophia!"
"Why aren't you backing me up?"
Gasps erupted through the room.
Liam stared at Chloe in shock.
Reporters buzzed with excitement.
"Ms. Evans, is this true?"
"Was this a paid defamation scheme?"
"Did Mr. Winston know about this?"
Microphones were shoved in their faces.
The chaos made for juicier headlines.
A-City elites embroiled in scandal?
Front-page material for sure.
Chloe turned deathly pale.
"I don't know him!"
She retreated in panic.
Avoiding Liam's gaze.
Mentally cursing Leo a thousand times.
The lunatic had turned on her!
"How can you believe a madman's words?"
She desperately tried to distance herself.
Leo let out a manic laugh.
"Fine! Call me crazy!"
"Then I'll show you real madness!"
A glint of steel flashed.
He pulled out a switchblade and lunged at Sophia.
Ethan Sullivan nearly crushed his wheelchair armrests.
Instinct made him almost rise.
But Ian moved faster.
He grabbed Leo's wrist.
Executing a flawless shoulder throw to pin him down.
"I'm a physician from MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute."
Ian displayed his credentials.
"This patient has severe psychiatric disorders."
"With documented violent tendencies."
"He requires immediate institutionalization."
"I'll assume full legal responsibility."