Chapter 161

Sophia Laurent had no intention of seeing the Lowells.

But that nine-million-dollar IOU was still in her possession.

With the court date approaching, Victoria Lowell's sudden visit spoke volumes.

When the office door opened, Sophia didn't even look up.

"Sophia..."

Victoria stood alone in the doorway, her gaze shifting nervously.

Sophia closed the file and tapped her fingers lightly on the desk. "Do you have the money?"

The question instantly darkened Victoria's expression.

"Are you that desperate for cash?" Victoria clutched her handbag. "Do you really think the Lowells would default?"

Sophia chuckled.

"So you managed to scrape it together." She twirled a pen between her fingers. "Let me guess—Richard didn't give you a cent."

Victoria stiffened.

"And your precious sons..." Sophia drawled. "Did they even pick up your calls?"

The pen clattered onto the desk.

"Was it Emily who helped you?"

Victoria's lips trembled. "Emily has more decency than you!"

"True." Sophia nodded. "Anyone can be generous with someone else's money."

The words cut deep.

A check was slammed onto the desk.

"Take your damn money!"

Sophia examined it carefully before tossing it into a drawer.

"I'll handle the court matter." She reopened the file. "Goodbye."

The only sound left was the rustling of papers.

Victoria stood rooted in place, her nails digging into her palms.

"Must you make this so ugly?" she burst out. "The Valdemars are in crisis, and you—"

"Are you finished?"

Sophia lifted her gaze, her dark eyes glacial.

"Shall I call security to escort you out?"