Sophia Sullivan's lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained ice-cold.
"Unlike some people who remind me of an old saying - fresh flowers stuck in cow dung only attract flies."
Her voice was soft, yet every word cut like a blade.
"Be sure to notify me about your wedding date. I'll need to avoid such an unlucky occasion."
Chloe Evans' face turned ashen. Liam Winston stared at Sophia, stunned by her transformation.
"Sophia Sullivan! You've been acting for three years!"
In the corner, Ethan Sullivan paused while petting the black cat. He lowered his gaze, remembering that audacious night.
That woman had been just as brazen, treating him like some male escort before vanishing at dawn.
Chloe forced a smile, nails digging into her palms.
"Such bold words, sister. But people might mistake you for someone... loose. When you try marrying into a good family..."
She glanced meaningfully at Ethan, deliberately emphasizing, "Proper families value reputation above all. You should mind your manners."
"You mean those half-dead fossils waiting for their coffins to close?"
Ethan suddenly chuckled darkly.
"A woman's worth was never measured between her legs." His voice turned dangerous. "But gossiping vipers should learn manners... after losing their tongues."
Sophia arched an eyebrow, surprised by his unexpectedly decent worldview.
Ethan turned to Liam. "Don't you agree, President Winston?"
He stressed the title with the same mocking tone Sophia used.
Liam and Chloe trembled with rage but dared not retort.
They stormed toward the door. As they pushed it open—whoosh!
A metal file whizzed past their heads.
Chloe froze.
The tool embedded itself in the wooden door, handle still vibrating.
Liam touched his stinging cheek—his fingers came away red.
"Blood! You're bleeding!" Chloe screamed, then gasped at the locks of hair floating down.
Her hands flew to her head. Waist-length tresses now ended unevenly at her shoulders.
"My hair!" Her wail echoed through the courtyard.
Clang. Sophia set down her toolbox.
Chloe staggered back. "Y-you just assaulted us!"
Sophia calmly retrieved the file, flicking the blade.
"Apologies. The stray dogs were barking too loudly. My hand slipped."
She flashed the tool before them, eyes glacial.
"Next time I hear foul language, I can't guarantee my hand's stability."
"You're insane!" Liam shook with fury.
Boom!
The gate slammed shut, nearly crushing his nose.
Sophia bolted it decisively, wiping her hands with distaste.
"Finally, some peace."