Sophia Sullivan Is Worth Every Penny
Chloe Evans stood beside Liam Winston, her lips curled in a faint sneer.
She deliberately raised her voice, ensuring everyone nearby could hear.
"Some people pretend to be wealthy when they clearly can't afford it."
The barb was aimed directly at Sophia.
A glint of triumph flashed in Chloe's eyes.
Whether Ethan Sullivan would actually intervene or not, she was determined to humiliate Sophia.
If Sophia really used Ethan's money, it would confirm her reputation as a gold digger.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as guests exchanged glances.
"Three hundred million is no small sum. Even with her perfumer prizes, Sophia couldn't have earned more than eighty million."
"Her salary at Breeze Perfumes wouldn't cover that amount."
"Didn't you hear Chloe? Someone must be backing her."
"Ethan could afford it, but why would he give her three hundred million? They're not even related."
The murmurs hung in the air like needles.
The auction organizer looked uneasy.
Every attendee had paid a hefty deposit—except Sophia.
Yet he maintained a professional smile.
"Payment arrangements are between the auction house and Ms. Sullivan. There's no need for concern, Mr. Winston."
He subtly positioned himself in front of Sophia.
"A seven-day payment window is standard practice. There's no need for pressure."
His tone was polite but firm.
"If payment isn't completed, we'll handle it according to protocol."
The statement shielded Sophia while issuing a quiet warning.
Ethan's icy voice cut through the room.
"That token was my gift to Ms. Sullivan."
Public explanations were rare for him, but he made an exception for Sophia.
His gaze swept over Liam and Chloe, freezing them in place.
"Three hundred million? She's worth three billion."
A mocking smile touched his lips.
"If not for her, Breeze Perfumes would have collapsed."
When hackers attacked their systems, Sophia had repaired the firewall, saving billions.
Not to mention she'd saved Emma's life.
How could money ever repay such debts?
The crowd erupted in murmurs of realization.
"Sophia saved Breeze Perfumes?"
"With talent like hers, any company would fight to keep her."
"No wonder Ethan's so generous. Anyone would be."
The tide had turned.
But Sophia calmly produced another black card.
"I appreciate your kindness, Ethan, but I'll pay for the token myself."
She met Liam's stunned gaze with cool detachment.
Thankfully, she'd kept some cards close to her chest.
Otherwise, this man would have drained her dry long ago.
"This card holds exactly three hundred million. Let's settle it now."
She turned to Chloe, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"You probably don't know how lucrative international perfumery competitions are."
It was a half-truth.
The prizes were substantial, but not enough for three hundred million. The funds came from The Decagon's vault.
But securing the token mattered more than anything.
She couldn't let a fool like Chloe win.
Sophia arched a lazy brow, her tone dripping with disdain.
"Oh, I forgot. You didn't even make the top ten. And you impersonated me."
Her smile was lethal.
"Remember how you pretended to be Crimson Serpent—until I showed up and exposed you?"
Chloe's face turned ashen. Her nails dug into her palms.
"You—!"