Chloe's heartbeat accelerated abruptly.
She watched Sophia Sullivan standing before the elegant villa.
The iris scanner emitted a soft hum.
The gates swung open.
A crisp AI voice welcomed her.
"Welcome home, Ms. Sullivan!"
The words struck like thunder.
Everyone present froze in shock.
"My God! Ms. Sullivan really owns this mountain? She's so young yet worth billions!"
"She bought the entire mountain ten years ago. I was still stressing over exams back then."
"The gap is... I don't even have the energy to feel jealous."
"Ms. Sullivan is so gracious. She never got angry despite being misunderstood for so long."
Mrs. Winston stared fixedly at the iris scanner.
Her face turned ashen.
Suddenly, she shrieked, "Sophia Sullivan! If you're this wealthy, why didn't you ever help the Winston family?"
Her voice was shrill and grating.
Isabella Robinson stepped forward with a cold laugh.
"Mrs. Winston, your audacity is truly astounding."
She elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Liam Winston racked up hundreds of millions in debt for Chloe's sake. And you dare talk about help?"
Mrs. Winston trembled with rage.
But Sophia walked straight into the villa without hesitation.
Moments later, she returned to the courtyard.
In her palm rested an obsidian jade ring.
The gemstone gleamed mysteriously under the sunlight.
"The ring was here all along."
Her voice was calm yet commanding.
Darren Crosier's legs nearly gave out at the sight.
He finally realized he'd provoked someone far beyond his reach.
"Ms. Sullivan... I was wrong..."
Sophia gave him a dismissive glance.
"You're not remorseful. You're just afraid."
Frederick Blanchet strode forward.
He glared daggers at Darren.
"Ms. Sullivan, I'll break one of his legs as punishment."
With that, he suddenly dropped to his knees.
The sound of his kneecaps hitting the stone pavement echoed sharply.
"I'm also unworthy of continuing to manage Deer Spring Mountain."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Everyone knew how deeply Frederick cared for this mountain.
He'd maintained it flawlessly all these years.
But his nephew had destroyed his future in an instant.