Chapter 369

In the gilded cage of a wealthy family, a woman without maternal support must tread carefully with every breath.

Sophia gazed at the fragmented sky through the ornate window lattice, finding the situation bitterly ironic.

"Oh?" Mr. Roscente Sr.'s rheumy eyes shifted, his gaze slicing through her slender frame like a blade. "Still planning to return?"

Her nails dug into her palms, but her voice remained steady. "Probably not."

The old man's brow relaxed almost imperceptibly. "Seattle is nice. One should know their place."

The words were a blunt knife, slowly flaying away her last shreds of dignity.

She knew the entire Roscente family was relieved by her compliance.

"You're right, Grandfather." She lowered her lashes, casting twin shadows across her porcelain face.

The patriarch's scrutinizing gaze swept over her. Satisfied by her docility, he finally showed a hint of approval.

"If you're leaving, clean up your mess." His teacup clattered sharply against the rosewood table. "Don't cause trouble at the university."

Sophia's pulse jumped.

Had he discovered something?

But if he truly knew about her and Ethan, she'd have been thrown out long ago.

"I understand," she replied hollowly.

As he stood, his dark silk robe brushed her hand, leaving a trail of coldness.

"Stay for dinner tonight." It wasn't a request. "You've been with the Roscentes for two years, after all."

She parted her lips, only managing a faint "Okay."

Just as he turned, he paused. "Did you take the medicine Ninth Uncle brought?"

Her blood turned to ice.

She saw Emily's confused expression and dug her nails deeper into her palms.

"What medicine?" Emily blinked blankly.

The air froze.

"Herbal medicine from Hong Kong." Each of the old man's words dripped venom. "Didn't I ask Sophia to fetch it?"

Emily's eyes flickered to Sophia's pallid face before laughing lightly. "Oh, how forgetful of me. Yes, that's right."

Mr. Roscente sneered. "Then why haven't I seen you brewing it?"

"They pre-packaged it these days." Emily remained unflustered. "Just heat it up before drinking."

Sophia stared at the intricate arabesque patterns on the carpet, as if willing them to swallow her whole.