Chapter 201

Chapter. She'd completely forgotten adding Nathan's WeChat this morning.

Meanwhile, Nathan was sweating bullets, wanting to ask: Madam, not even a word of thanks for Mr. Blackwood?

But there was none.

Sophia simply ended the call.

Her silence wasn't ingratitude—she just couldn't decipher Ethan's motives. The man's mind was an impenetrable fortress she'd stopped trying to understand.

One day at a time. Thinking less was better.

Tucking her phone away, Sophia straightened her blouse and properly surveyed her new workspace at Montgomery Designs.

The design department was everything she'd hoped for—spacious, flooded with natural light, and sleekly modern.

Her workstation alone surpassed anything from her Nancheng days six years ago. Brand-new computer, pristine supplies. She approved.

The design director approached briskly. "Sophia, we won't assign projects your first week. Elizabeth across from you is our senior designer—she'll mentor you, show you our workflows and departments. Next Monday, you'll get your first assignment."

Sophia nodded. "Understood."

As the director left, Sophia approached Elizabeth's desk with polite professionalism. "Elizabeth, how may I assist you today?"

"Assist?" Elizabeth's laugh was glacial. "You'd assist me most by staying out of my way. But since the director insists..." She shoved a stack of blueprints at Sophia. "Categorize these. Have them copied and back on my desk by end of day."

"Of course." Sophia accepted the task without complaint, losing herself in organization until lunch.

Right on cue, Sophia Carter appeared to escort her to the cafeteria. "Settling in okay?" the bubbly brunette asked.

Sophia offered a small smile. "Well enough." Glancing around the bustling cafeteria, she asked, "Is the food here decent?"

"Outsourced, but good. Company covers 1,500 monthly—oh!" Sophia Carter's smile vanished as a plate slammed onto their table.

"Why are YOU here?"

Sophia looked up into the sneering face of a woman dripping in designer labels—sky-high heels, gaudy statement earrings, cascading black waves. The stranger glared with open hostility. "I asked you a question!"

Across the table, Sophia Carter kicked her shin urgently under the table. The silent message was clear: Trouble.

Sophia studied the woman coolly. No recognition.

Another day, another enemy. Was she cursed?

Then again, after the Nancheng scandal six years back, her infamy wasn't surprising.

Blacklisted or not, she'd apparently gone viral.

"I don't believe we've met," Sophia said evenly. First day on the job—she wouldn't start fights.

Sophia Carter leaned in, whispering, "That's Olivia Kensington. Cousin to Alexander Kensington—our company's major shareholder."

Sophia blinked. Alexander? That would make this woman...

"Charlotte's sister?" Sophia guessed aloud.

"The younger sister," Sophia Carter corrected nervously. "Olivia was raised by the Thorntons. Mr. Thornton dotes on her like a granddaughter. You should... be careful."

Olivia's manicured nails dug into the table. "Still ignoring me?" she seethed.

Sophia met her gaze squarely. "Miss Kensington, if you'll excuse us, we're having lunch."

The cafeteria chatter died around them. Sophia Carter looked ready to faint.

Because everyone knew: in this corporate jungle, Olivia Kensington was apex predator.