Chapter 14: Chapter 14

476 words

<html><head></head><body>Sophia Sullivan declined Charlie Lowell's dinner invitation. She held up the jewelry box in her hand. Charlie recognized the custom packaging of a haute couture brand. He tactfully did not press further. Sophia turned to leave. She walked past Ethan Roscente without a glance. As if he were air. Charlie coughed awkwardly. Ethan's face darkened, his expression stormy. A clerk cautiously approached to assist. Ethan coldly demanded the most expensive piece. He refused to believe no one would appreciate it. … Lights blazed in the Beverly Hills mansion. Sophia arrived alone at the party. Many recognized her. Whispers spread through the crowd. Their gazes held pity and mockery. Olivia Lopez hurried over to greet her. Sophia handed her the jewelry box. They exchanged a few brief words. Sophia declined the invitation to stay for dinner. She turned to leave, her back straight and proud. The gossip grew bolder. "Daring to show up dressed like that?" "Six years and she got nothing out of it?" "My housekeeper is better off…" Her assistant looked at her with concern. Sophia's expression remained calm and unreadable. She had expected this. The setting sun cast her long shadow. "Sophia Sullivan?" A familiar voice called from behind. Daniel Anderson approached, holding a glass of wine. A tipsy smile touched his eyes. He brought up the graduation ceremony six years ago. Sophia felt slightly awkward. The memory of two men pursuing her was still vivid. She tried to excuse herself. Daniel blocked her path. He stated bluntly that Ethan treated her like property. Sophia's smile faded. She asked what he really meant. Daniel looked directly into her eyes. He said Ethan was just competitive. The words cut like a knife. Sophia's face instantly paled. Daniel reached to touch her cheek. She stepped back, avoiding his hand. Her tone was distant as she told him to show respect. Daniel pressed closer. He knew they had broken up. He confessed his feelings again. He promised to be better than Ethan. Sophia suddenly laughed. She said she wouldn't jump back into the fire after just escaping. Her skirt swirled decisively as she turned away. Daniel watched her retreating figure and murmured. He said the tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside. … Julian Winston put away his phone. The photo was perfectly timed. Sebastian Evans raised an eyebrow at him. They exchanged a knowing look. The memory of that past rivalry was still fresh. Julian sent the photo to Ethan. Sebastian warned him not to go too far. Julian smiled dismissively. He said she was just an ex-girlfriend. Sebastian's gaze skimmed over the elegant profile in the photo. He softly agreed. The wind lifted Sophia's long hair. She tucked a stray strand behind her ear. Night gradually enveloped the city. Neon lights flickered on one by one. Illuminating the path she walked alone. </body></html>