Chapter 129
Sophia Lowell's eyes welled up as she stared at the man shielding her.
"I truly know nothing about calligraphy..." Her voice trembled with unshed tears.
The three-million-dollar longevity scroll turned out to be a fake.
Each penny felt like a knife twisting in her heart.
Though it was Vincent Lowell's credit card, that money would have been her future inheritance.
Her attempt to impress Vincent Sullivan had backfired spectacularly.
At least Sebastian Royston intervened.
"Since she's Sebastian's guest, let it slide." Vincent Sullivan's icy gaze swept over them like a blade.
Sebastian cleared his throat and presented an exquisite gift box. "Uncle, my humble offering."
The butler received it with deference, presenting it to Vincent.
The older man's expression softened slightly as he dismissed them with a wave. "Go enjoy yourselves."
Sebastian bowed gracefully, flashing Sophia a faint smile over his shoulder. "Come."
Flustered by his attention, she trailed after him, missing the glacial glint in his eyes.
"Thank you, Mr. Royston." Her voice dripped saccharine sweetness.
Her gaze clung to his pallid features.
He bore a passing resemblance to Ethan Sullivan, but illness lent him a fragile, almost ethereal quality.
"Which family do you belong to?" Sebastian inquired casually.
Sophia flushed crimson. "I'm...just Professor Sullivan's student."
His attention snagged on the necklace at her throat.
Ethan's most treasured possession.
The very piece that vanished after the kidnapping, rumored to have been gifted to his savior.
Frost crystallized in his gaze.
So it was her.
"Your poise suggests aristocratic breeding." His smile remained gentle.
Sophia preened at the compliment. "You flatter me, Mr. Royston."
Her mind raced through his dossier.
The eldest son of Sullivan's second branch—brilliant but plagued by poor health.
When Vincent seized the family throne, his three nephews had battled ruthlessly.
Ethan emerged victorious, but Sebastian remained a formidable player.
After all, blood always tells.