“They’re just biting each other like stray dogs. Why bother with them?”

Sophia Reed wanted to hurry inside with Nathan Torres to sign the contract and finally go home to rest, but that shameless couple wouldn’t let them have peace.

“So that’s it? You can’t outtalk us so you’re leaving? Look at them—walking into a high-end restaurant dressed like beggars. Can they even afford to eat here?”

Even after Sophia’s sharp retort had silenced them, Vanessa Cole still refused to back down.

Nervous but pretending to be bold, she clung to Alexander Kane’s arm like a peacock flaunting its feathers. “What’s there to be proud of? The man next to you might be dressed neatly, but he looks just as broke as you are.”

The upscale restaurant was full of wealthy couples coming and going. Hearing Vanessa’s shrill voice, several stopped to watch the commotion.

“What are they arguing about? Blocking the doorway like that—don’t they feel ashamed?”

That was exactly what Vanessa wanted—an audience. With so many people watching, she decided to humiliate Sophia even more.

“You left your husband so quickly because you already had another man lined up, didn’t you? Sister, why must you always rely on men to keep you?”

To describe Sophia Reed as someone who needed to be “kept”? That was beyond insulting.

Sophia immediately dropped Nathan’s arm and slapped Vanessa hard across the face.

“Watch your mouth. We’re here for a business meeting—this contract is in my hand. And you dare say we’re sneaking around? You’re the one playing the mistress!”

Now that she no longer pined for Alexander, Sophia stood tall. Backed by her family, she had every ounce of confidence she needed. Still, her palm stung from the force of that slap.

“Enough nonsense. If you came here to eat, no one’s stopping you. But if you came to pick a fight, take that slap as my warning to you both.”

The sound of Sophia’s hand striking Vanessa’s face echoed. With so many couples watching from outside, the embarrassment was complete.

“Who do you think was the real homewrecker here?” someone whispered.

Vanessa clutched her face, humiliated, while Sophia rubbed her slightly swollen hand and heard the murmurs around them.

She had just returned to her family; any gossip about her would reflect on all of them. So she raised her voice and said clearly, “You all know who I am—Sophia Reed of the Reed family. I come from an old New York business house. Do you think I’d waste my time on another woman’s man? I’m here for business, and this is the proof.”

Sophia lifted the contract high for everyone to see.

The onlookers gasped, and those who had been whispering insults at her turned their words toward Vanessa and Alexander instead.

“So it’s her—the other woman! And now she’s playing the victim. What a joke.”

Embarrassed beyond measure, Vanessa and Alexander quickly fled under the crowd’s scornful stares.

Watching them leave with their heads down, Sophia lifted her chin proudly. “At least they know their place. Next time they try this, they won’t just lose face in public—they’ll be viral online.”

After that, Sophia and Nathan entered the restaurant and signed the contract smoothly. Holding the finalized papers, Sophia smiled in satisfaction.

“No wonder I’m the best—signed faster than expected. I’ll head home now. Thank you for today.”

The name on the contract filled her with joy. She flipped through it a few times before tucking it carefully into her bag.

But Nathan, who had been thanked, didn’t leave right away. Opening the door, he gestured to his car outside. “You came here by cab, right? There are still a few details about the contract I want to clarify with your father. Let me drive you home.”

Sophia had hoped to keep her distance from Nathan, but since he offered a ride—and it was convenient—she got in.

As soon as she fastened her seat belt, her phone buzzed. She picked it up, intending to text her father and brothers that the deal was done, but instead saw a message from Vanessa.

“Don’t think humiliating me today means I’ll back off, Sophia. You’ve stolen from me long enough. Even with your family behind you, you’ll always be an insect beneath my feet.”

Sophia let out a low, chilling laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Nathan asked, eyes still on the road but clearly curious about that dark little smile.

Sophia switched off her phone. “Nothing. Oh, right—you mentioned some contract issues you wanted to discuss with my father. Why not tell me first?”

After all, she was the one responsible for the deal. If there were problems, she needed to know.

After Sophia Reed and Nathan Torres finalized the contract, Sophia rubbed her hands awkwardly.

“Sorry you had to see that mess today.”

Nathan, being an outsider, had unintentionally witnessed far too much of her personal drama with her ex-husband. The embarrassment still lingered.

But Nathan didn’t seem the least bit interested in her gossip. He simply draped his suit jacket over his arm and said calmly,

“I’ll drive you home. Your ex-husband might still be outside, and I’d rather make sure you get back safely.”

Sophia sighed. “God, today was such a disaster.”

When Nathan folded his chair and started to leave, Sophia followed behind, head down. Just as she raised the contract in her hand, Nathan stopped suddenly—and she crashed right into him.

“Ow!”

She winced, clutching her forehead, glancing around to see what she’d hit—but there was nothing there.

“Why’d you stop so suddenly? That’s gonna leave a bruise for days.”

Nathan turned back; Sophia was still rubbing her forehead, where a red bump had already appeared.

He stayed cool as ever. “Wait in the car. I forgot something inside.”

He returned to the restaurant, while Sophia muttered under her breath and slipped into his car. It was immaculate—just like the man himself.

She glanced around, studying the neat interior. “Of course his car’s cold and lifeless too. No wonder he doesn’t have a girlfriend,” she mumbled.

Before she could snoop any further, Nathan came back. Sophia froze, instantly transforming from snarky commentator to obedient passenger, buckling her seatbelt like a chastised schoolgirl.

“Why aren’t you starting the car? Did you forget something else?”

Ten minutes passed. Nathan still didn’t drive off. The silence inside was suffocating, and Sophia could practically hear her own heartbeat echoing.

Then her phone buzzed sharply, shattering the tension.

She expected it to be from her brother, but the nickname flashing on the screen made her stomach twist. It was her.

The message dripped with malice:

“Pathetic. You think you can play the victim when you’re just the mistress who got caught? Didn’t that slap earlier hurt enough?”

Sophia muttered curses under her breath. Nathan glanced over briefly, then started the car without a word.

When they reached the Reed Estate, Sophia bolted from the car clutching her folder, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Nathan watched her sprint off. “What, is there a man-eating lion waiting inside?”

No lion—but plenty of cunning foxes. Nathan was no ordinary man; she’d learned that much today.

Inside, Sophia tossed the folder and her phone onto the couch. “I’ve already signed everything. Nathan said he’ll come by to see Dad later—he’s probably parking now. I’m heading upstairs.”

Without waiting for a reply, she hurried up the staircase, phone in hand, calling someone she hadn’t spoken to in years.

“Hey, my little princess! I thought you’d forgotten about me—it’s been ages.”

The familiar warmth in his voice calmed her nerves, though she stayed cautious. “I ran into Vanessa Cole at the restaurant today. Things got ugly, but it’s over. Now she’s texting me threats—calling me shameless, saying she’ll make me pay. Can you find out what’s going on?”

There was no way Sophia had sent anyone after Vanessa; she’d left the restaurant immediately after the deal. It could only be investigated by her trusted friend.

A while later, Ethan Reed showed up with a basket of fruit.

“Dad wants you to start getting familiar with the company. Most of the shares will be under your name, so he’s pushing hard. Don’t take it personally—he just wants you prepared.”

Inside her room, Sophia was nibbling an apple, her brow furrowed. Ethan looked at her worriedly but still reminded her, “Don’t overwork yourself.”

“I know Dad means well,” she said softly. “But honestly, shouldn’t you be the one running the family business?”

Ethan didn’t answer—he had his own plans. He handed her a glass of milk. “I know you were up late last night. Drink this and get some rest. Oh, and Dad wants Nathan to stay for dinner tonight—so be ready.”

They both knew what that meant. Mr. Reed clearly wanted Sophia and Nathan to grow closer—maybe even spark something. Anything to make her forget Alexander Kane, that worthless man.

Sophia groaned inwardly. Marry Nathan? That cunning fox? He’d peel my skin before kissing me.

“I know, Ethan. You can go.”

The next day, Sophia finally had a rare quiet morning. She was lounging in the sun-drenched garden when her phone rang, shattering the peace.

“You’ve been quiet forever—cat got your tongue?” she snapped.

The caller hesitated, stammering nervously, “Wait—Vanessa Cole wants to talk to you.”

Sophia frowned, rubbing her temples. “Vanessa? What does she want now? If she’s got a grudge, she can come to my house and say it to my face. No need to stalk me through you.”

“You forgot? Before your divorce, she fell sick—she’s been trying to contact the Ghost Doctor for treatment. That’s… you. Naturally, she reached out to me.”

Sophia smirked. “Oh, that’s interesting.”

As ideas for mischief danced in her head, the voice on the phone hurried her. “She’s ready to pay up front. Do you want the job or not? If you don’t, I’ll just decline her offer.”

“Take it. Tell her to meet me at Uptown Café.”

She hung up, stroked the cat sleeping in her lap, then stood. “Time to handle some business.”

But just as she grabbed her coat, Ethan appeared at the garden gate.

“Dad wants you to attend a gala tonight—with Nathan Torres. Maybe pick out a new dress while you’re out. You’ve been gone for years, Sophia—you deserve some new clothes.”

Sophia stopped mid-stride. “Nathan again? And a gala? Why am I suddenly his plus-one?”

Ethan chuckled. “Can’t tell you that. Just don’t forget the dress.”

He left her to stew in frustration. Sophia glared at his retreating back, then down at her cat. “You live the good life, huh? I’ve got work to do.”

She tossed on her coat and left for the café.

A few blocks away, Vanessa Cole arrived in a chauffeur-driven car, sunglasses and all, dressed like she was heading for a fashion shoot.

“Remember,” she told the driver, “the Ghost Doctor doesn’t like chatter. Let me do the talking.”

The chauffeur just sighed, pocketing the keys before following her inside.

Vanessa scanned the café, then froze.

“Well, well. Sophia Reed. Didn’t your sugar daddy have you on a leash? What are you doing here alone?”

Sophia stirred her coffee lazily. “You really don’t learn, do you? Keep running that mouth, and it’s your face that’ll pay for it.”

Vanessa’s smile turned sharp. She lunged to grab the cup and throw it—but Sophia flicked it aside before she could.

“You—!”

“What, me? I reserved this table, ordered this coffee. You trying to steal from me now? Has your family gone so broke you’ve resorted to scavenging leftovers?”

The entire café went silent. Every head turned toward Vanessa.

“She’s dressed to impress but can’t afford her own drink,” someone whispered. “Guess even the rich can go broke.”

Vanessa’s cheeks flushed crimson. She yanked her sunglasses back on, hissing, “You only have money because your man pays for everything. I’m not here to fight—I’m here to meet someone important. You’re not worth my time.”

The chauffeur frowned. “Strange. The Ghost Doctor should be here by now… but everyone here’s on a date. Are we early?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Vanessa said stiffly. “We’ll wait. It looks better that way.”

From her corner, Sophia smirked. Watching Vanessa make a fool of herself was almost too easy. She picked up her coffee and began walking toward them, ready to play her next move.