Chapter 109

"You refuse to speak. How are we supposed to know what you're thinking?" William Lowell's furious voice echoed through the private room. "What will it take for you to stop this?"

Sophia Laurent lifted her lashes, casting him an indifferent glance.

"To earn my forgiveness, you'd do anything?"

Richard Lowell avoided her gaze, remaining silent.

But William straightened his posture. "This isn't about begging for forgiveness. We just want to avoid unnecessary drama."

"Fine." Sophia settled back into her chair. "When I first returned to the Lowell family, Emily framed me for ruining her dress. You forced me to apologize. When I refused, you locked me in my room without food for two days."

William's face darkened. "Emily grew up under our care. She would never—"

"Of course. She's pure and kind." Sophia's lips curved into a cold smile. "I'm the wild child with a vicious heart, incapable of goodness."

Her fingers traced the rim of her water glass.

"Now I'm exactly that malicious person who wants to see you suffer. What will you do about it?"

"You—" William trembled with rage. "Don't push your luck."

"I already am." Sophia tilted her chin up. "What can you possibly do?"

Sunlight streamed through the window, gilding her silhouette.

William faltered, momentarily stunned.

"Pearl Entertainment may be impressive, but it's no match for Lowell's decades of foundation." He lowered his voice. "If you're smart, you'll make the right choice."

Richard nodded. "If it matters to you, I can make Emily apologize. Let bygones be bygones."

"Spare me." Sophia stood. "The thought disgusts me."

She walked toward the exit without looking back.

"Sophia!" William roared. "You think you're untouchable? Investing in 'Empress' to compete with Dad's project? You're digging your own grave!"

Lowell Entertainment's "River Banquet" was a high-budget historical drama.

The audacity of Sophia producing a similar period piece with Lucas Sheridan was laughable.

Richard sighed. "Lucas isn't a professional director. 'Empress' is scheduled against our release. Sophia, cut your losses now."

So what if Gavin Croix wrote the script?

"Lone Mountain's" success was pure luck.

Sophia nearly laughed aloud.

She turned, her gaze sweeping over their faces.

"You two..." She exhaled softly. "Are adorably confident."

Richard detested that tone.

"'River Banquet' stars Christopher and Emily. The box office will crush your project." His voice turned stern. "Stop being stubborn..."