Chapter 497

Cassandra Montgomery, Sophia's sister, picked up Sophia's phone with concern. "What happened? There's a massive fire?"

"That stubborn woman! Even in death, she dares to defy me!" Sophia's face twisted with rage.

Margaret Kensington frowned. "Isabella tried to take her down and failed. Charlotte fought her and lost too. I heard even Ava Sinclair couldn't gain the upper hand against her. I once ruined my own future because of her. Sophia, be careful—that woman is dangerous."

"Ha!" Sophia laughed wildly. "Comparing Isabella and Charlotte to me? Don't insult me! Those two pathetic sisters are worthless!"

"Charlotte didn't dare confront Sophia Montgomery directly—she begged Isabella to do her dirty work. And that arrogant fool Isabella thought her grandfather's influence could protect her while she ordered me to eliminate Sophia!"

"Those idiots can't hold a candle to me! When Cassandra Montgomery wants someone dead, they die. Did Isabella give the order? Humph! I'll make sure the blame falls squarely on her!"

As Sophia spoke, Margaret's smile widened. "Little sister, you were born in the wrong body. You should've been a man. If you were, Father would've favored you over Julian Montgomery in Kingsbury's political arena! Tomorrow will be sweet revenge for your big sister."

Sophia's tone grew lighter. "Sister, if things go well, you might see results tonight. Just wait and watch."

Margaret clenched her fists. "I wish Sophia Montgomery would drop dead right now!"

While the sisters cursed Sophia Montgomery behind her back, the woman in question remained blissfully unaware. She knew tomorrow's banquet invitation from Cassandra was a trap—a hundred times more dangerous than when Olivia and Elizabeth had attacked her at work with their designer heels.

Determined to make the most of today, Sophia took her daughter Lily out for a full day of fun.

Mother and daughter only boarded the bus home as darkness fell. As they approached their stop, Sophia carried the sleepy Lily forward. "Driver, please stop at the next station."

No one on the bus paid them much attention—until Sophia stood by the exit door. Several passengers stared, then began whispering. "That's her... it's really her..."

Sophia stepped off the bus without hearing the murmurs. She had no idea what was coming.

After returning home, she washed up, ate dinner, and put an exhausted Lily to bed. The day's excitement had worn them both out. Surprisingly, despite the looming threats, Sophia fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

Sometimes she marveled at her own ability to sleep soundly when tomorrow might bring disaster. A true talent indeed.

At dawn, Eleanor Quinton returned from grocery shopping, thrusting a tabloid at Sophia. "Madam, what... what is this nonsense?"

Sophia blinked. "What's wrong, Eleanor?"

"This trashy paper is spreading vicious lies!" Eleanor fumed.

Sophia took the newspaper—and froze.

Meanwhile, in Kingsbury, William Thornton had just been wheeled out of emergency care at the Military Medical Center. Last night's stress over Ethan and Sophia's situation had triggered his heart attack, but with top-tier medical care, the old man had recovered enough to eat and hold court in his hospital room.

The room overflowed with visitors: Alexander Kensington and his family, Isabella, William Kensington, and Ethan.

As everyone fussed over the elder Thornton, Isabella suddenly gasped dramatically. "Oh my God! This is... this is too much! Unbelievable!"

Her outburst drew all eyes. "What is it, Isabella?" William Thornton asked.

"Grandfather..." Isabella feigned concern, then turned to Ethan with practiced innocence. "Ethan, after everything with that convict... I mean Sophia... are you just toying with her?"

Ethan's gaze turned glacial. If not for William Thornton's presence, he would've snapped Isabella's neck without hesitation.

But restraining himself, he snatched the phone from her hands.

Isabella hid her glee. Perfect! She hadn't expected Cassandra to act so swiftly and effectively. In just days, she'd engineered this masterpiece!

Thrilled that Ethan had taken the bait, Isabella simpered, "Don't be angry, Ethan. She's not worth it—just some convict you captured. She's always been a shameless slut who can't stop seducing men. And with a child no less! Your biological daughter!"

"They say her face looks like a zombie now—can't even smile. Probably had countless plastic surgeries. No wonder your daughter resembles you—"

Ethan's thumb and forefinger clamped onto Isabella's lips, cutting off her words with painful pressure. "Ah... ow!" she whimpered.

Ignoring her, Ethan focused on the viral video playing on her phone.