Chapter 65

As an industry titan, Winston Group's entertainment empire spanned the nation. For Ethan Winston, locating the filming site of "We Are Singers" took mere minutes.

On set, Nathan Lowell immediately interrupted when he heard Sophia Laurent accept Adrian Valentine's collaboration request.

"Sophia, you're partnering with me next round."

His commanding tone carried habitual authority, as though this were nonnegotiable.

Crew members exchanged glances. Several frowned.

Sophia's smile froze.

Her icy gaze swept over him. "No need. Our energies clash. Find someone else."

Live comments exploded.

[How rude!]

[Nathan asked her personally!]

[Who does she think she is? Just because she writes songs?]

[Emily's the better sister anyway.]

Tension crackled through the studio.

Nathan's knuckles whitened. "Explain yourself."

Sophia didn't even look at him. "Do I need to spell it out?"

She paused. "I don't want to work with you."

His face darkened.

"Forget the cameras," he snapped. "First Emily, then Mom, now me? When does this end?"

Sophia's laugh held no warmth. "If I had a choice, I'd renounce the Lowell name."

"The disownment notice is filed. I'm transferring my household registration soon."

His chest constricted.

"You're leaving the family registry?"

"Yes."

Her finality silenced him.

A sharp ache spread through his ribs—something vital slipping away.

"Is this necessary?" His voice dropped.

"Absolutely."

An uneasy hush fell.

The host hurried to mediate while judges smoothed things over. Mentor assignments eventually proceeded.

During the lunch break, Sophia exhaled—only to spot the last person she wanted to see.