Chapter 439

Sophia Montgomery felt warmth spread through her chest as Sophia Carter grabbed her arm with fierce loyalty. "Listen, no matter what vile rumors they spread about you, I don’t believe a single word!" Sophia Carter’s voice was sharp with conviction. "You have nothing to do with Liam Sterling. You’re innocent, aren’t you? If anyone’s scheming, it’s that snake Liam, trying to latch onto you like a parasite. I’m right, aren’t I? Absolutely!"

Sophia Montgomery’s throat tightened at the unwavering faith in her friend’s words. She met Sophia Carter’s determined gaze, touched. "Why do you trust me so much?"

"Because I know you!" Sophia Carter scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Let’s be real—Julian Montgomery’s family in Kingsbury outshines the Sterlings tenfold. The Sterlings? Please. Six years ago, they were barely relevant in Harborview, and now? Their empire’s been swallowed whole by Blackwood Enterprises. People only call Liam ‘Mr. Sterling’ out of courtesy to Ethan Blackwood’s influence. But Julian? His uncle is practically royalty. You could’ve had Julian wrapped around your finger if you wanted. Why would you settle for a playboy like Liam?" She smirked. "Am I wrong?"

Sophia Montgomery didn’t answer. Instead, she grinned and nudged Sophia Carter. "Fine, fine. I may only have four hundred bucks, but I’m treating you today. Pick something—within budget. Let’s splurge."

Sophia Carter rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Look at you—wearing designer labels head to toe, yet acting like four hundred is breaking the bank. Stingy much?"

"Two hundred, then," Sophia teased.

"Cheapskate!"

"Two hundred and fifty?"

"You are two hundred and fifty!"

Laughter bubbled between them as they stepped into the Chase Office lobby—only to freeze at the venomous whispers trailing behind them.

"Still so shameless."

"Of course she is. Homewrecker. Got kicked out once, yet slithers back in like nothing happened. And now Mr. Sterling shows up at the office for her? Disgusting."

"Women like her don’t care about morals. As long as a man pays attention, she’ll take anyone—Julian Montgomery, Liam Sterling, probably even a homeless man if he glanced her way."

A cruel cackle followed. "At this point, she’d say yes to a trash collector."

Sophia Carter whirled around, fists clenched. "Shut your filthy mouths! Did you see Sophia with Liam Sterling? No? Then keep your slander to yourselves! Maybe he came here on business. Ever think of that? Or are your brains too rotted with gossip?"

The women flinched, then scattered like cockroaches.

Sophia Montgomery exhaled, unfazed. "The truth doesn’t need defending."

"Bravo."

The icy voice cut through the air. Olivia Kensington stood behind them, lips curled in disdain.

"If you’re so innocent," Olivia sneered, "why did my cousin Charlotte rush here the moment she landed? You’re not fooling anyone, Sophia."

Sophia Montgomery arched a brow. "And why would I explain myself to you?"

"Exactly!" Sophia Carter snapped, stepping forward. "Since when do you work here, Olivia? Oh wait—you don’t. So why are you lurking around, stirring drama?"

Olivia’s face flushed with rage. "This company isn’t yours! I can go wherever I want!"

"Then go away," Sophia said flatly.

Sophia Carter snorted. "Damn, Sophia. Harsh but fair."

Olivia’s nails dug into her palms. "You—you homewrecking bitch! How dare you call me stupid!"

Sophia Montgomery sighed. "Let me guess. Charlotte told you I’m some scheming seductress, right? But did she also tell you who I really am?"

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Olivia’s face.

Exactly. Charlotte hadn’t revealed the full truth—because she needed Olivia as a pawn.

Sophia leaned in, voice low. "You’re being used, Olivia. Wake up."

Olivia recoiled. "Y-You’re lying!"

But the doubt was already planted.

And Sophia Montgomery? She just smiled.