Chapter 187

"Young people these days have no sense of restraint. Wait till you're my age—you'll regret it." Emily Laurent frowned, poking Sophia Lowell's forehead with her finger.

Sophia tilted her head away. "Did you call me here just to lecture me?"

"Of course not."

"Then get to the point."

Exhaustion weighed on her. All she wanted was to collapse into bed.

Suddenly, Emily's expression brightened. She linked arms with Sophia affectionately. "There's a birthday party for the child of a family friend the day after tomorrow. I need you to go in my place—"

"No." Sophia shook her off and turned to leave.

"You ungrateful girl!" Emily grabbed her wrist. "I'm swamped right now!"

"Skip a few mahjong games, and you'll have time."

Emily let out an awkward chuckle, caught in her lie. "The games were scheduled weeks ago. A person must keep their word." She forced Sophia to sit. "Besides, these events are for young people like you. Someone my age would just kill the mood. Just deliver the gift and leave. Deal?"

"I have a client meeting that day to sign a contract. This deal could earn me at least this much." Emily held up her fingers.

"Three million?"

"Who do you take me for?" Emily swatted her. "Thirty million!"

Sophia's pupils constricted. "What kind of business earns that much? You're not getting scammed again, are you?"

"Here we go again! If they were scammers, they'd have done it by now!" Emily's face darkened. "Why do you always assume the worst in people?"

Sophia smirked coldly. "If I hadn't been vigilant, you'd have lost everything by now."

Emily's expression shifted, clearly recalling an unpleasant memory. Seeing Sophia's icy demeanor, she deflated. "Fine. I'll quit after this deal."

"Not even this one."

"Thirty million! Think of all the bags I could buy!" Emily stomped her foot in frustration. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Sophia picked up her purse. "Take it or leave it."

"Alright, alright!" Emily blocked her path. "Go to the party, and I won't sign the contract."

"Promise?"

"Have I ever lied to you?" Emily's eyes darted away as she muttered, "You're the only one who'd turn down easy money."

"Money doesn't fall from the sky." Sophia took the gilded invitation, skimmed it, and tucked it into her bag.

"It's so late. Why go back now?" Emily held her arm. "Look at you—you might faint on the way."

It was already midnight. Sophia was too drained to argue and reluctantly agreed to stay.

Thrilled, Emily immediately ordered the maid to prepare bird's nest soup. She chattered endlessly, but Sophia barely listened.

After her shower, the fatigue mysteriously vanished. Lying in bed, Sophia stared at the ceiling, replaying the moment in the elevator when Ethan Roscente had pulled her into his arms.

The warmth of his palm still lingered at her waist. That fleeting tenderness had made her feel—just for a second—like she was cherished.