At that moment, Sophia didn’t bother to argue further. She stood quietly, her arms crossed, her face calm though inside she felt the weight of Rebecca’s presence pressing down on her. It wasn’t just about Rebecca being there it was who Rebecca was.Sophia knew her well. Rebecca was a busybody, the kind of woman who poked her nose into everyone else’s matters, stirring trouble where there was none. She wasn’t from a wealthy background either, though her family still had some level of respect. But that wasn’t what bothered Sophia the most.What truly made her blood boil was the fact that Rebecca wasn’t standing here for herself. She was standing here as the right hand of Cecilia.And Cecilia wasn’t just another woman in her circle. No Cecilia was the one who had boldly declared, face-to-face, that they were rivals. Not secret rivals, not subtle competitors. Everyone knew about their dislike for each other. Cecilia had made sure the world understood that their paths would never be friend

Upon hearing what the military man said, Rebecca threw her head back and burst into laughter, her voice echoing across the open space. She clutched her stomach as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard.“What is this?” she sneered between laughs. “Is this some kind of play? Are we in a movie now? Who talks like that in real life.‘the coast is clear’?” She mocked the man’s deep voice, making a gesture with her hand as though she were holding a toy radio. “Oh, please! This is ridiculous!”She turned toward Sophia, still laughing hard, shaking her head with fake pity. “So this is your grand show? This is what you’ve been waiting for? fake Soldiers acting like they’re in a low-budget action film? Honestly, Sophia, you should have warned me I would’ve brought popcorn.”Sophia didn’t move. She didn’t even answer. Her face was pale, her eyes glued on the soldier. She was just as shocked as Rebecca, maybe even more. Hearing those words the coast is clear had shaken her. She didn’t un

Hearing what Sophia just said, Damien didn’t respond right away. He simply stood there, quietly watching her. His expression remained calm, but inside, his thoughts were spinning.He knew exactly how big this moment was for Sophia. Today was more than just an appearance it was her chance to stand tall in front of the people who had doubted her, judged her, and waited for her to stumble. He knew how much pressure had been placed on her shoulders, especially from Cecilia and the others. That’s why he planned this. Not just to be there for her, but to make a statement one that no one would forget.Still, this wasn’t even close to what he was capable of. Damien had intentionally held back. The show of power, the escorts, the helicopters it was all impressive, yes, but it was only a fraction of what he could’ve done. If he went all out, it would’ve shaken the entire region.But he couldn’t risk that.Because with every eye watching, with every whisper growing louder, the danger of someone

Upon hearing what Rebecca just said, Cecilia stared at her, completely puzzled.This wasn’t the Rebecca she knew this wasn’t the same sharp-tongued, high-heeled, gossip-hungry friend who loved stirring the pot. No. This Rebecca looked like she had just walked out of a warzone.Her lips were pale, her hands still slightly trembling. Her eyes, usually filled with amusement or mischief, were now unsettled… dazed even.Cecilia frowned and leaned back in her seat, folding her arms slowly. Something was off. Very off.It was Rebecca herself who had boldly announced she was going outside just a few minutes ago to wait for Sophia. She said she was going to catch her in some “big act” and expose her for the liar she was. Cecilia didn’t even argue she let her go with full confidence that Sophia was about to get humiliated.But now…here Rebecca stood. her mouth dry. Voice shaky. Spirit drained.The same woman who had confidently walked out like a lioness was now standing like a soaked kitten.Ce

Rebecca blinked slowly, still saying nothing. Cecilia didn’t give her the chance.“Now tell me,” she continued, shaking her head in disbelief, “how can you open your mouth and talk anyhow like that in front of someone like David? You’re trying to make him look small when he hasn’t even said a word back to you. Do you think that’s okay? Is it not foolishness? Don’t try that nonsense again.”She turned slightly to look at David, as if silently reaffirming her loyalty, before looking back at Rebecca with an even firmer stare.“And that’s not all,” she went on. “You think it’s just military they have? You don’t even know the half of it. That family, the Johnson-Jude family people call them JJ for a reason. They don’t just wear ranks. They wear power. Their influence stretches across business, security, healing yes, I said healing and more.”Cecilia then took a step forward, as though drawing a line between herself and Rebecca with nothing but her words.“They own one of the largest import