Sophia Sullivan's heart churned.
She never expected Liam Winston still cared about her.
Her expression remained calm.
"I've moved on from the past," she said coolly.
"Some mistakes aren't worth clinging to."
Her gaze swept over Liam.
"Though I'm surprised someone's so invested in my business."
"Perhaps you should consider a career as a tapeworm."
Memories of three years ago surfaced.
The ice rink. Liam shoving her away without warning.
That single push had stolen her courage for extreme sports.
But things were different now.
When Isabella Robinson signed her up for the competition, she accepted without hesitation.
The shadows no longer held her.
A faint smile curved Sophia's lips.
"Pathetic little clown."
Isabella mimicked Chloe Evans' sugary tone.
"Sweetie, maybe you should let Mr. Winston have his way."
She batted her lashes in mock innocence.
"Do you think I'm being too softhearted?"
Sophia chuckled.
"Mr. Winston is indeed pitiful."
"Who knows? He might not be the heir much longer."
The words stabbed Liam like knives.
His face darkened instantly.
"Sophia Sullivan! Care to settle this with a match?"
"If I win, return the Blood Jade!"
Sophia arched a brow.
"And if you lose?"
Liam gritted his teeth.
"It's yours to keep."
She scoffed.
"Clever math, Mr. Winston."
"Heads you win, tails I lose?"
Isabella chimed in.
"Loser kneels in apology!"
Silence fell.
Liam remembered his humiliating kowtow in Potter's Town.
Chloe eyed Sophia suspiciously.
The woman seemed too composed.
As if she'd planned this all along.
Sophia spoke leisurely.
"Ah yes, I forgot about your kneeling experience."
"Trauma makes cowards of us all."
Isabella burst out laughing.
"No backbone, no bet."
"Stop pretending to be hot stuff."
Liam's face turned ashen.
"I'm not backing down!"
He snapped.
"I've competed professionally."
"There's no way I'd lose to some amateur."
He recalled Sophia's skating—always one beat behind him.
Clearly out of her depth.
Sophia's smile deepened.
"Deal."
"Don't come crying later."
Liam sneered.
"That's my line!"
He dragged Chloe away.
She whispered,
"She's too confident."
Liam narrowed his eyes.
"Just her usual act."
"But I won't lose."
Speed skating came down to timing.
He trusted his skills.
Chloe murmured sweetly,
"Just focus on getting the Blood Jade."
"Old Mr. Winston is easily fooled."
Her reminder hung between them.
This match determined the inheritance.
Liam's gaze turned steely.
"It's already mine."