Chapter 158

Sophia's lips curled into a mocking smile.

No wonder Tiffany Roscente and Isabella Valentine were best friends.

She checked her watch and nodded politely at Jason Roscente. "Thanks."

She turned to leave.

"Hold up."

Jason stood with one hand in his pocket, his voice laced with lazy arrogance.

Sophia glanced back. "Something else?"

"You—" He hesitated.

Sophia frowned impatiently.

"You're my step-aunt's niece?" Jason finally blurted out.

"Yeah. Got a problem with that?"

"Nah." He grinned. "From now on, I've got your back at Seattle U."

Sophia nearly laughed.

He sounded like a street thug.

She forced a tight smile and walked away.

Jason watched her retreating figure, his gaze thoughtful.

By the time she got home, the installers were visibly annoyed.

Sophia apologized repeatedly as they fitted the new door.

Her bank balance shrank by another five digits.

She gritted her teeth, cursing Ethan Roscente under her breath.

Then an idea struck.

She grabbed her phone and ordered a delivery service.

"Place this speaker near the Roscente Group building." She handed over a small black device. "Avoid the cameras."

The delivery guy accidentally hit the play button.

"A former Roscente Group employee wishes Ethan Roscente a happy marriage! May you be a groom every night and father ten babies a year!"

His hand jerked. "Miss Lowell, will I get arrested for this?"

"Extra pay." She transferred another sum. "Set it to loop."

The delivery guy swallowed hard at the amount.

Money talks.

After he left, Sophia packed in a frenzy, grabbed Calico, and fled to Vivian Ashcroft's place.

The moment she opened the door, a wave of perfume hit her.

Vivian, clad in a sequined gown, pinned her against the wall with a dramatic flourish.

"Darling," she purred around a rose stem, eyes gleaming. "Free tonight?"

Sophia played along, looping an arm around her neck. "What does the lady desire?"

"Ugh." Vivian abruptly released her. "Too cringe. Even I can't handle it."

Sophia shoved her away. "What terrible script is this?"

A fresh screenplay lay on the coffee table.

"Rich Family Tragic Love." Vivian rolled her eyes. "I play the heiress seducing her bodyguard."

She lowered her voice. "But the paycheck could buy a penthouse."