Chapter 77

"What kind of job?" Emily's voice suddenly rose.

"Seattle University offered me a teaching position."

Silence lingered for two seconds before Emily gasped. "Professor Theodore's offer?"

Sophia gave a quiet "Mm." Theodore had indeed mentioned it last month.

"You're going back to Seattle?" Emily's tone turned tense.

"I'll intern at the branch campus for three months first." Sophia's fingers absently traced the edge of the table. "I'll decide after that."

"Wait!" Emily suddenly perked up. "If you marry and settle down in New York, you could stay, right?"

Sophia's temple throbbed. Here we go again.

"Stop fantasizing," she cut in firmly. "This is temporary. My goal is further studies."

A scoff came through the line. "Still dreaming of being a designer?"

Sophia pressed her lips together.

"Fine, you've grown wings." Emily sighed. "Come to the manor tonight to try on new clothes. I brought the latest collection."

Warmth flickered in Sophia's chest. "I haven't even opened the last batch you bought."

"I don't care!" Emily huffed. "Dressing you up increases your chances of landing a wealthy husband. I'd benefit too."

"Rich men are rarely decent."

"Your uncle is wonderful."

Sophia snorted but ultimately gave in to Emily's relentless pestering.

Night draped the sky in ink.

By the time Sophia entered the manor, it was nearly ten. Laughter spilled from the main hall, reminding her it was the Roscentes' monthly family gathering.

Since the patriarch had explicitly banned her attendance, no one bothered to inform her.

At least it was peaceful.

She detoured through the back garden but froze mid-step near the peace lilies.

"A billion-dollar loss, and all they got was termination?" The patriarch's voice was stern.

"The investigation proved Isabella leaked the data." Ethan's tone remained steady. "Sophia took the blame."

"Isabella?" The patriarch sounded startled.

"Horizon's people manipulated her into handing over the files."

After a pause, the patriarch sighed. "Youth makes one careless. Let it rest, then."

His tone shifted. "Still, Sophia bears responsibility for entrusting such a critical project to a novice."

"I understand," Ethan replied.

The night wind swept through, chilling Sophia to the bone.

So he knew everything.

To protect Isabella, he'd let her shoulder the disgrace.

How ironic. That project had been forcibly taken by Isabella—with his explicit approval.