Zachary Sullivan's words left Charles Watson speechless.
The old butler opened his mouth but found no rebuttal.
An insurmountable gap indeed existed between servants and illegitimate children.
An elegantly dressed woman stepped forward.
She gently patted Charles's shoulder.
"Don't take it to heart, Charles."
Amelia Sullivan wore exquisite makeup today.
Her cheongsam accentuated her dignified demeanor.
Though her tone sounded gentle, sharpness lurked beneath her gaze.
"Zachary's just overly concerned about Emma."
She dabbed her slightly reddened eyes with a tissue.
"The poor child has suffered so much."
"Who are these kidnappers? Are they after money or revenge?"
Amelia hadn't glanced at Sophia Sullivan since her arrival.
Silence filled the living room after her question.
The Sullivan family held little affection for this mistress.
"Cat got your tongues?!"
Zachary exploded when no one answered.
"Mother shows concern for the younger generation, and this is how you respond?"
"Where's Ethan Sullivan?"
Only after shouting did he seem to notice Sophia.
His eyes raked over her figure.
"So you're Sophia Sullivan."
Zachary narrowed his eyes.
The woman before him possessed striking beauty and an icy demeanor.
He'd thoroughly investigated her background.
A divorcee.
Yet she maneuvered between Ethan Sullivan and Liam Winston.
Impressive.
"I'm Zachary Sullivan."
His gaze shamelessly swept over Sophia's body.
"Come to me for anything you need."
"I'm far superior to my crippled elder brother."
Amelia's expression turned glacial at these words.
While others might miss the implication, she recognized her son's vulgar intentions.
This worthless fool.
Clenching Zachary's wrist, she maintained her pleasant smile.
"Please forgive his manners, Miss Sullivan."
She addressed Sophia with practiced warmth.
"You saved both Emma and Ethan."
"We heard the kidnappers would've detonated the bomb without your intervention."
Amelia's words carried hidden meaning.
"Who knew you possessed such remarkable skills?"
During the racing competition, she'd planned Ethan's accident.
But he never appeared in the spectator stands.
So she redirected the scheme toward Sophia.
Successfully luring Ethan out.
And seizing Emma in the process.
The plan should've been flawless.
Until this bomb-defying Sophia appeared.
"My skills pale before yours."
Sophia responded calmly.
Meeting Amelia's gaze, she smiled faintly.
"The kidnapping details were tightly sealed."
"Few know I disabled the bomb."
Her smile gradually chilled.
"Curiously, what were you and Zachary doing that day?"
Sophia's piercing stare sent chills down spines.