Chapter 6

William Lowell's gaze cut through the crowd, landing squarely on Sophia Laurent. The tension in his shoulders eased imperceptibly.

"Isn't that your secretary?" Mr. Yang followed his line of sight. "I thought she wasn't coming."

"She insisted." William's lips curved slightly. "Couldn't be stopped."

"You're fortunate to have such—"

"Just an ordinary assistant." William dismissed the compliment, yet his feet carried him toward Sophia.

He adjusted his tie, waiting for her to approach him first.

He'd forgive her willfulness this time.

But discipline was necessary.

Sophia drew nearer.

William straightened his posture instinctively.

Then watched, stunned, as she walked right past him without acknowledgment.

He cleared his throat pointedly.

Sophia had noticed William the moment she entered. The forced cough didn't even make her hesitate.

"Sophia!" William's voice turned glacial.

She remained expressionless. The young man beside her turned. "Something you need, Mr. Lowell?"

William finally registered Oliver Granger's presence. The rising star of Pearl Group.

"This conversation doesn't concern you." William's tone dripped with disdain. Pearl Group was nouveau riche in his eyes.

"Joining Pearl Group, Sophia?" He sneered. "Really?"

She turned with a faint smile. "Problem?"

Pearl Group had always been her creation.

William's face darkened. "Have you lost your mind? Abandoning your family's legacy to lick someone else's boots?"

"Mr. Lowell," Sophia's crimson lips curved, "the bootlicker here isn't me."

The Lowells had bled her dry while offering no respect.

William caught the implication. "Remember who your real family is."

"My family," Sophia's smile deepened, "is my husband."

"You—"

William trembled with rage. "Without the Lowells, you're nothing!"

"Then watch closely." Sophia strode toward the bidding venue.

William stared after her, chest tight. Something vital was slipping from his grasp.

The bidding commenced. Mr. Yu of Linyuan Group took the stage. "Our goal is to develop a premier resort..."

Companies presented proposals in turn. Lowell Entertainment went early.

William kept glancing at Sophia, who never looked back. Normally she prepared his speeches—today he floundered alone.

Mr. Yu's disinterest was palpable.

William sat down frustrated. Sophia remained unruffled.

When Pearl Group's turn came, all eyes fixed on her.

In a tailored black suit with her hair elegantly pinned, she commanded the room.

"We propose a family-themed resort." Her clear voice carried. "The hot springs can be developed into a hotel with adjacent children's facilities..."

Mr. Yu's eyes brightened.

William's gut twisted. He'd never seen Sophia shine like this.

The worst part? This should have been Lowell Entertainment's proposal.

"Mr. Lowell," Mr. Yang whispered, "I thought your secretary was here to assist you."

William's face darkened.

"Wish Pearl Group would take me." Mr. Yang added fuel to the fire.

"Get lost." William's glare burned into Sophia. Tonight, he'd drag her home.

The entire family would witness his rebellious sister's betrayal.