“They’re just biting each other like stray dogs. Why bother with them?”
Sophia Reed wanted to hurry inside with Nathan Torres to sign the contract and finally go home to rest, but that shameless couple wouldn’t let them have peace.
“So that’s it? You can’t outtalk us so you’re leaving? Look at them—walking into a high-end restaurant dressed like beggars. Can they even afford to eat here?”
Even after Sophia’s sharp retort had silenced them, Vanessa Cole still refused to back down.
Nervous but pretending to be bold, she clung to Alexander Kane’s arm like a peacock flaunting its feathers. “What’s there to be proud of? The man next to you might be dressed neatly, but he looks just as broke as you are.”
The upscale restaurant was full of wealthy couples coming and going. Hearing Vanessa’s shrill voice, several stopped to watch the commotion.
“What are they arguing about? Blocking the doorway like that—don’t they feel ashamed?”
That was exactly what Vanessa wanted—an audience. With so many people watching, she decided to humiliate Sophia even more.
“You left your husband so quickly because you already had another man lined up, didn’t you? Sister, why must you always rely on men to keep you?”
To describe Sophia Reed as someone who needed to be “kept”? That was beyond insulting.
Sophia immediately dropped Nathan’s arm and slapped Vanessa hard across the face.
“Watch your mouth. We’re here for a business meeting—this contract is in my hand. And you dare say we’re sneaking around? You’re the one playing the mistress!”
Now that she no longer pined for Alexander, Sophia stood tall. Backed by her family, she had every ounce of confidence she needed. Still, her palm stung from the force of that slap.
“Enough nonsense. If you came here to eat, no one’s stopping you. But if you came to pick a fight, take that slap as my warning to you both.”
The sound of Sophia’s hand striking Vanessa’s face echoed. With so many couples watching from outside, the embarrassment was complete.
“Who do you think was the real homewrecker here?” someone whispered.
Vanessa clutched her face, humiliated, while Sophia rubbed her slightly swollen hand and heard the murmurs around them.
She had just returned to her family; any gossip about her would reflect on all of them. So she raised her voice and said clearly, “You all know who I am—Sophia Reed of the Reed family. I come from an old New York business house. Do you think I’d waste my time on another woman’s man? I’m here for business, and this is the proof.”
Sophia lifted the contract high for everyone to see.
The onlookers gasped, and those who had been whispering insults at her turned their words toward Vanessa and Alexander instead.
“So it’s her—the other woman! And now she’s playing the victim. What a joke.”
Embarrassed beyond measure, Vanessa and Alexander quickly fled under the crowd’s scornful stares.
Watching them leave with their heads down, Sophia lifted her chin proudly. “At least they know their place. Next time they try this, they won’t just lose face in public—they’ll be viral online.”
After that, Sophia and Nathan entered the restaurant and signed the contract smoothly. Holding the finalized papers, Sophia smiled in satisfaction.
“No wonder I’m the best—signed faster than expected. I’ll head home now. Thank you for today.”
The name on the contract filled her with joy. She flipped through it a few times before tucking it carefully into her bag.
But Nathan, who had been thanked, didn’t leave right away. Opening the door, he gestured to his car outside. “You came here by cab, right? There are still a few details about the contract I want to clarify with your father. Let me drive you home.”
Sophia had hoped to keep her distance from Nathan, but since he offered a ride—and it was convenient—she got in.
As soon as she fastened her seat belt, her phone buzzed. She picked it up, intending to text her father and brothers that the deal was done, but instead saw a message from Vanessa.
“Don’t think humiliating me today means I’ll back off, Sophia. You’ve stolen from me long enough. Even with your family behind you, you’ll always be an insect beneath my feet.”
Sophia let out a low, chilling laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Nathan asked, eyes still on the road but clearly curious about that dark little smile.
Sophia switched off her phone. “Nothing. Oh, right—you mentioned some contract issues you wanted to discuss with my father. Why not tell me first?”
After all, she was the one responsible for the deal. If there were problems, she needed to know.
