Chapter 84

"Karma's a bitch!" Vivian Ashcroft's excited voice exploded through the phone. "Let's see how she wriggles out of this one. Hope she crashes and burns!"

Sophia Lowell shook her head softly.

She walked to the balcony and refilled Calico's food bowl. Her fingers brushed across the tablet screen—Isabella Valentine's scandal still dominated the trending topics.

"The Valentines will protect her."

"Because of the Roscentes?" Vivian caught on immediately.

"The Roscentes won't accept a disgraced daughter-in-law." Sophia's fingertip paused on a deleted headline. "No matter how much Old Mr. Roscente favors her, it's the Valentine name he values."

Vivian deflated. "But the video's everywhere. Can they really spin this?"

"Ethan Roscente has his ways." Sophia chuckled. "It's just a question of how much he's willing to spend."

A string of curses erupted from the other end. "Perfect match—a cheating bastard and a scheming bitch. May they rot together!"

Sophia laughed.

Background noise crackled through the line. She suddenly asked, "You're off today?"

"Up for a date, gorgeous?" Vivian's tone turned playful.

"I want to check out some baby stores."

Half an hour later, Vivian barged in carrying breakfast.

"Isn't it too early for shopping?" She eyed Sophia's flat stomach.

Sophia's hand drifted unconsciously to her abdomen. "Just... wanted to look."

Vivian clutched a pair of pink socks and suddenly clasped her hands together. "Please let this be a grateful child! If it's here to collect debts, send it to its father!"

Sophia laughed, picking up tiny shoes. "What about these?"

A shrill ringtone cut through the moment.

Vivian froze, staring at her screen.

"The police?" Sophia frowned. "Why would they call you?"

"Probably a scam." Vivian hovered her thumb over the answer button, hesitating.