Chapter 197

Tiffany Roscente's fingers dug into her skirt fabric, nails nearly piercing through the delicate material. The humiliation of having her hem stepped on sent tremors through her body.

"Can't even apologize properly?" Sophia Lowell's voice was measured, yet each word sliced through Tiffany's eardrums like a blade. "Even a three-year-old knows basic manners. Did the Roscentes fail to teach you?"

"You worthless—" Tiffany's hand flew up to strike.

Sophia caught her wrist and twisted it upward. Tiffany arched backward with a gasp, tears springing to her eyes instantly.

"Pain is the best teacher." Sophia glanced toward the fountain plaza. "Will you retrieve it yourself, or shall I assist you?"

Meeting those calm eyes, Tiffany shuddered. Biting her lip, she inched toward the fountain, her skirt dragging through puddles.

"Stop this!" Isabella Valentine arrived with an entourage, her voice ringing across the garden. "Forcing someone into freezing water is beyond cruel, Miss Lowell."

Whispers rippled through the crowd. Isabella's lips curved as she raised her voice further. "Tiffany already apologized. Must you be so merciless?"

Sophia smiled suddenly. She turned toward the back of the gathering. "Tyler, if I recall correctly, there are surveillance cameras near the fountain?"

Tyler Roland stiffened at being addressed, snapping to attention reflexively. "Yes, Professor Lowell!"

"Be a dear and pull the footage." Sophia's tone remained pleasant, but her gaze swept over Isabella's frozen expression.

Isabella cut in hastily. "Tyler, today is your birthday celebration—"

"Perfect timing for surveillance footage to commemorate it!" Grinning, Tyler called out to security. "Fetch the camera recordings now!"

His adolescent voice carried across the garden with rebellious clarity. Isabella's grip tightened on her crocodile leather clutch, nails leaving pale scratches across its surface.