Chapter 421

The storm of emotions finally subsided.

That night, Sophia poured out years of pent-up anguish, her tears soaking Alexander's shirt. She had always been stubborn, refusing to bend to anyone—so what if she was?

Yet, by dawn, his persistence had worn her down, leaving her exhausted and curled against his chest in sleep. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead before switching off the lights.

Morning arrived too soon.

She woke to find herself bare, the silk nightgown discarded on the floor, ruined. Sitting up, she glanced at her wrist—only the topaz bracelet remained, its golden hue stark against her pale skin.

Scowling, she turned to Alexander, who lounged lazily against the headboard. "This bracelet is mine. I'll do whatever I want with it."

His voice was rough with sleep. "You could also join Lily's parent group chat."

Sophia blinked. "…What?"

"All the other mothers are in it. If you don’t join, you’ll stand out." He rose effortlessly, completely unselfconscious. "This week, I’ll take you shopping. You can flaunt whatever jewelry you like in front of those women."

She hastily covered her eyes.

Alexander pried her hand away, smirking. "Hiding now? After last night?"

"You— shameless!"

He laughed, hauling her up and tossing one of his shirts at her. She scrambled into it like a thief, fleeing to her own room.

Work demanded her attention.

After dressing—conservative at first, but now with deliberate elegance—she stepped into the kitchen. Lily, still rubbing sleep from her eyes, gasped. "Mommy, you look so pretty today!"

Sophia kissed her forehead. "Thank you, sweetheart."

"Will you join Susan’s mom’s group now?" Lily pressed, hopeful.

"Of course." Sophia pulled out her phone, submitting the request before breakfast.

The office buzzed with Monday energy.

Sophia wasn’t a newcomer anymore. Not after surviving Jun’s scrutiny, outmaneuvering Linda, and earning her place as lead designer.

The elevator ride was tense. Whispers slithered around her.

"Did you hear? That woman Fourth Master Blackwood caught—no news lately."

"Which one?"

"The gold-digger from six years ago. Rumor was he’d kill her, but… silence."

Sophia’s grip tightened on her briefcase.

"Probably another social climber," someone sneered. "Like her."

Eyes darted toward Sophia.

She exited calmly, but the murmurs crescendoed behind her.

"Total snake. Played innocent, then snatched Jun’s attention and Linda’s position."

"Bet she’s got tricks. Look at her today—dressed to kill."

Sophia ignored them, striding into the design department.

Chen Liang greeted her first. "Sophia, you look stunning."

She smiled. "Good morning."

Tong Yue wheeled over, grinning. "Teach me your secrets! How’d you handle that site disaster? I’ll buy you Blue Mountain coffee—two hundred a cup!"

"Deal," she said lightly.

"Perfect! Dinner and a movie too?"

She shook her head. "Just coffee. I’m busy tonight."

Tong pouted as Chen snickered.

Nearby, Linda seethed.

"Sophia," she hissed, "as your deputy, what’s my task today? Proofreading your drafts?"

Sophia met her glare. "No."

The air crackled.

Linda’s nails dug into her palms.

Sophia turned away, leaving the whispers and glares behind.

She had work to do.