Around them, whispers of astonishment began. “Honorary guest?” “Wait, that man?” “Wasn’t he supposed to be—” Someone gasped aloud. “Sophia Bennett’s pathetic ex?” All at once, the tone of the crowd changed. Champagne glasses lifted as people scrambled to realign themselves, murmuring praises, eager to appear supportive. “What a visionary decision!” one man exclaimed. “Yes, yes—recognizing citizens who give back to society. Brilliant!” another man chimed in. Sophia’s smile stiffened and the color drained from her face. Jessica’s heart pounded as she glanced at Brandon. Wasn't it the same man people had mocked just now? Still, Sophia refused to back down. Desperation crept into her voice as she laughed shrilly. “That’s impossible! I’m tonight’s bell-ringer. How could I not know about this?” The sponsor turned to her slowly, swirling the golden liquid in his glass before taking a long, deliberate sip. When he lowered it, a smirk played across his lips. “Th

The night air outside the banquet hall was sharp and cold, biting against Sophia’s flushed cheeks as she stumbled down the marble steps. For a moment, she just stood there, dazed with her breath coming in ragged gasps.Ryan hurried after her, glancing nervously over his shoulder. “Sophia—just calm down, please,” he whispered urgently. “We’ll figure something out.”“Figure something out?” Sophia spun on him, eyes blazing. “Ryan, my company’s IPO is gone, my reputation’s in ruins, and that— that snake Jessica just took the spotlight while everyone laughed at me! What’s left to figure out?”Ryan didn’t answer. There was nothing to say. Just then, Sophia’s phone rang. The shrill tone sliced through the night. She fumbled for it, snatched it up — and when she saw the caller ID, her expression changed. “It’s the police station,” she muttered in confusion. Upon hesitation, she finally answered the call. “Hello?”“Is this Mrs Sophia Scott?” The officer’s voice was firm and clipped.“Y

Afraid his lie would be exposed, Ryan let out a forced laugh and quickly grabbed the card from Ava’s hand. “Ah, that one’s on me,” he said, flashing a sheepish grin. “It’s not your fault at all, Mom. I was too impatient that day—I gave you the card before I even got it registered with the property office. No wonder it didn’t work.”He sighed and shook his head. “Honestly, those property management people are such sticklers for rules. I’ll have my assistant talk to them and straighten this out. They shouldn’t have treated you that way.”Ava let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing. “Oh, so it was my fault after all,” she said quickly. “I should’ve known better. I was just too eager to see the place.”Not wanting to look vain in front of Ryan, she waved her hand dismissively. “Forget it, really. It’s no big deal. The guards were just doing their job—can’t blame them for being careful.”She forced a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “If anything, it’s a good sign! It s

Ava’s voice tore through the apartment like a storm wind battering glass as she continued to curse Brandon.Ryan, however, didn’t so much as flinch. Within minutes they arrived home. Sophia, seated on the couch across from them, looked fragile beneath the dim chandelier light. Her once-commanding posture had crumbled; she leaned slightly forward, with her hands clasped in her lap and her eyes dull and red from exhaustion. The confident CEO who had built her name from scratch was gone for the night, replaced by a woman hollowed out by betrayal and loss. Her company — her pride, her life’s work — was on the verge of collapse.Ava’s voice cracked mid-rant, but she pressed on, unwilling to lose momentum. “That Brandon—such a conceited worm,” she spat, her tone dripping with contempt. “He had no right. And that Jessica—pff! Who does she think she is? I swear, if I ever see that woman again—”“Mom,” Sophia interrupted weakly, her voice barely audible. “Please, just… stop. It’s done.”

“Miss Marion,” Joe panted, bending slightly at the waist in a formal bow. His voice carried a blend of urgency and deference. “Please, I need your company’s account details immediately.” Jessica blinked, startled out of her reverie. “My… account details?” she repeated, her brows knitting in confusion. Joe straightened, still catching his breath with his hand clutching a small folder tight against his chest. “Yes, ma’am,” he said quickly. “I’ve been instructed to transfer a certain amount to your company’s account — financial support, specifically to help reinstate your firm. The funds are ready for disbursement right now.” Jessica’s lips parted slightly. For a moment, her mind went blank, unable to process what she was hearing. “Wait… what? What did you just say?” Joe drew a deeper breath, regaining composure. He smoothed a crease from his sleeve and lowered his voice as though sharing a secret. “That’s not all, ma’am,” he said carefully. “I was also instructed to