Chapter 373

"You... why did you refuse that position?" Julian asked Sophia, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Sophia didn’t feel like explaining.

Just as Julian was about to call the company for clarification, Sophia’s phone buzzed again. The screen displayed the design director’s name—the same woman who had told her to take an indefinite leave.

Sophia answered coldly. "Director, I’m applying for reinstatement. If you’re busy, make it quick."

The director’s voice dripped with forced sweetness. "Sophia, I never meant for you to resign. It was just a temporary measure while Olivia was recovering. Now that she’s back at work, her temper has settled. I’m calling to ask you to return."

Sophia hesitated. "...Really?"

Of course, it was a lie.

The director was sweating bullets.

She hadn’t wanted Sophia back—too much drama. But when Olivia returned and realized Sophia was gone, she demanded her immediate reinstatement.

Anyone with half a brain knew Olivia was plotting revenge.

But who dared defy her?

The director swallowed her pride and insisted, "Of course it’s true. Would I lie about this?"

Sophia remained skeptical. "Olivia isn’t holding a grudge?"

"Miss Kensington has moved on," the director assured.

Sophia exhaled. "Fine. I’ll come in tomorrow."

"No, no—today. Right now." The director’s tone turned urgent. "Linda’s drowning without your proofreading. She needs you. Come immediately."

Sophia relented. "Alright. I’ll take the bus. Be there in two hours."

The moment she hung up, Julian seized her wrist.

Sophia startled. "Mr. Montgomery, what are you—"

"Olivia’s harassing you? Is that why you quit?" Julian demanded.

Sophia stayed silent.

"Get in the car," he ordered.

Sophia frowned. "Excuse me?"

"I’m heading back to the office. Consider this a ride." His jaw tightened. "And relax—I won’t lay a finger on you. This is about fixing that mess."

After a beat, Sophia slid into his sports car.

The vehicle tore through the streets, reaching the company in forty minutes.

But waiting at the entrance was Olivia.

Spotting Julian’s car, she sprinted forward, whining, "Julian, you wouldn’t believe the chaos these past few days—"

Her words died when she saw Sophia in the passenger seat.

Rage twisted Olivia’s face. "Sophia! Why are you in Julian’s car?!"

Sophia ignored her, icy and detached.

Olivia’s chest heaved. She longed to claw at Sophia’s face—the face that captivated men so easily.

Julian blocked her advance, disgusted. "Don’t you have work to do? Why are you loitering?"

Olivia stomped. "Julian!"

He shoved past her, then turned to Sophia with a chivalrous gesture. "After you."

Sophia stepped out, cool as ever.

Olivia’s nails dug into her palms.

Watching them stride inside, Julian’s gaze lingering on Sophia like she was divine, Olivia nearly choked on her fury.

She shrieked after them, "Julian! Do you even know what she’s done?!"

Julian didn’t look back. "I’ve been out of town. And frankly, I don’t care."

Olivia’s scream echoed. "You’ll care when I expose her! She’s not just some homewrecker—she’s a murderer!"

Tears of rage spilled as she stormed inside, firing off a text to her cousin Charlotte.

OliviaK: Where are you?! That witch Sophia is back, and now she’s seducing Julian! Get here and destroy her!

CharlotteK: Can’t return yet. Handle it yourself.

OliviaK: What’s her deal? Why is she so untouchable?

CharlotteK: Not now. Just keep her at the company—no matter what.

OliviaK: Unless I break her first! She nearly killed me last time!

CharlotteK: I didn’t say go easy. Crush her spirit. She’s desperate for this job—she won’t quit.

OliviaK: Fine. But this is for me, not you.

CharlotteK: Whatever. Just shut her down.

Olivia gritted her teeth, humiliation burning through her.

This wasn’t over.