Sophia Sullivan's gaze swept past Chloe Evans.
She walked straight toward Liam Winston.
Her fingers precisely grasped his dislocated jaw.
"Mr. Winston, you seem envious of those who trade their bodies for opportunities?"
Sophia's lips curved slightly.
But her eyes were frosty.
"Spreading rumors so eagerly—could it be because you're the one who often engages in such schemes, yet no one wants you?"
She applied subtle pressure with her fingertips.
Liam groaned in pain.
"No wonder all your business partners are old men."
Sophia chuckled.
"Turns out Mr. Winston can't satisfy the young and handsome. Ugly yourself, so you assume everyone else enjoys rolling in the mud like you do."
She despised proving her innocence.
Too many loved slinging mud.
Explaining to each one was tedious.
Better to let the rumor-mongers taste their own poison.
How others saw her depended on their perspective.
Liam's slander only exposed his own filth.
"Ugh—" Liam struggled to speak.
His dislocated jaw reduced his words to incoherent whimpers.
How dare this woman humiliate him like this!
Sophia flicked the tip of her blade.
Nearly slicing his tongue.
Liam's pupils constricted.
The cold glint of steel froze him in place.
He shot a desperate look at Chloe.
Hoping for help.
Chloe stood petrified.
Her face as pale as paper.
"Sophia Sullivan! Have you lost your mind?" Her voice trembled.
Sophia rose slowly.
Her heels clicked against the floor.
Each step felt like it crushed Chloe's heart.
Chloe staggered backward.
Words tumbling out incoherently.
"Stay back! There are cameras here! You won't get away with this!"
Sophia scoffed.
Such childish threats were laughable.
"Relax. Just giving you a scare."
Her gaze swept over them both.
"Didn't expect you to be such cowards."
"Dogs that can't bite always bark the loudest."
Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
"Want that collaboration slot with Radiant Beauty Group?"
She leisurely wiped her blade.
"I'll give it to you."
"Just keep your mouths shut."
"Swallow this humiliation."
"And I'll agree."
Sophia's red lips curled.
"Money means nothing to me."
"But watching you suffer? That's entertaining."
She studied Liam's twisted expression.
The boy who once promised to marry her.
Had died long ago.
Amnesia shouldn't have made someone this repulsive.
Ethan Sullivan leaned against the wall.
Enjoying the show.
The moment Sophia struck.
Reminded him of the past.
Normally playing the docile lamb.
But revealing sharp fangs when provoked.
This was the version of her he found irresistible.
Precious gems should have edges.
Not dull into mediocrity.
"Ms. Sullivan, why waste the slot on trash like this?"
Ethan's voice was lazy.
"Let them sue."
"I'll get you a lawyer."
"Might even make them pay damages."
He wasn't joking.
With his connections.
He could hire the best attorneys.
Turn this into a public spectacle.
"Forget it."
Sophia waved a hand.
"Just one slot."
"Seeing them like this is pitiful enough."
She sighed dramatically.
"Mr. Winston cares so much about face."
"Getting beaten by a woman today."
"Imagine the ridicule if word got out."
Sophia and Ethan traded barbs effortlessly.
Mocking them in perfect sync.
Liam's jaw hung useless.
His eyes burning with venom.
Rage threatened to erupt.