Chapter 155

"Mom, goodbye." Sophia Montgomery whispered as she reluctantly stepped away from the cemetery.

By the time she reached the narrow alley outside her apartment, the afternoon sun had already begun to dip below the horizon. Sophia considered grabbing a quick bite before heading home—anything to avoid cooking tonight.

She settled into a small, cozy soup shop, but almost immediately, she noticed two women staring at her, their whispers barely concealed.

"That's her, I'm sure of it! The background matches perfectly—it has to be her!"

"No doubt about it. She looks so innocent, but who would’ve guessed she’s got such skills?"

"I heard both men are from elite families in Harborview City. One of them is the grandson of William Blackwood—the Blackwood Enterprises heir!"

"And the other? His family might not be as powerful, but he’s still worth millions!"

Sophia wasn’t deaf.

They were clearly talking about Liam Sterling and Noah Whitmore—and the woman they were gossiping about was her.

She calmly approached their table. "What are you looking at?"

The two women jumped, startled.

One of them recovered quickly, her voice dripping with envy. "Oh, we never expected someone like you to come from our neighborhood. Two rich men fighting over you? You must have some serious tricks up your sleeve. Care to share?"

Their cheap perfume and overly made-up faces told Sophia everything she needed to know about them. She wasn’t interested in their opinions—she just wanted to see what they were watching.

Her own phone was outdated, unable to run newer apps.

"Let me see that," she said, holding out her hand.

The women handed over the phone, and Sophia’s stomach dropped.

It was a short video—her, caught between Liam and Noah, being pulled like some prized possession. It had happened just this morning. Who had filmed it? Who had posted it?

She didn’t know.

One of the women smirked. "Your little scandal’s gone viral. The comments aren’t exactly kind, though."

The other scoffed. "Who cares? If she’s got the skills to climb, let her! All those haters are just jealous they can’t land one rich guy, let alone two!"

Sophia said nothing.

She didn’t need to read the comments to know what they said.

But it didn’t matter. In three days, she’d be leaving Harborview City behind.

She finished her meal in silence, ignoring the whispers and stares as she walked back to her apartment.

The moment she closed the door behind her, her phone rang.

Ethan Blackwood’s name flashed on the screen.

She hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"

Silence.

Sophia exhaled. "Mr. Blackwood, I already know what you want to say. There’s no point in explanations. Just tell your sister-in-law to keep her son under control—"

"You wretched woman!" A furious, aged voice cut her off. "Do you think I can’t crush you like an insect?"

Sophia froze. "Who is this?"

"Listen carefully! I will ruin you!" the voice snarled.

Before she could respond, chaos erupted on the other end—shouting, the sound of a struggle.

Then Nathan Carter’s voice, strained with urgency. "Sir, you can’t—Mr. Blackwood is in a meeting! You can’t just take his phone—!"

Sophia understood now.

It was William Blackwood. Ethan’s grandfather.

But what did it matter?

She was leaving.

Without another word, she ended the call.

On the other end, William Blackwood was seething.

Nathan had wrestled the phone back, but the damage was done.

"That insolent girl!" William slammed his cane against the floor. "Christopher—no, Nathan! Find her! Bring her to me! Does she think she can meddle with the Blackwood and Thornton families? I’ll bury her alive!"

Nathan remained silent, his jaw tight.

Nearby, the receptionist looked terrified. "Mr. Carter, I tried to stop him, but—"

Nathan waved her off. "It’s fine. Go."

She fled.

Just then, Ethan strode in.

The company rarely held late meetings, but today had been an exception.

The moment Ethan had seen the viral video—Sophia caught between Liam and Noah, plastered across every social media platform—his aunt had called in a panic.

He’d had no choice but to handle the fallout immediately.

And now his grandfather was here, breathing fire.

"Where is that ungrateful boy?!" William roared.

Ethan’s expression darkened.

The storm had only just begun.