Chapter 179

Sophia Lowell's eyes glimmered as her lips curved into the perfect smile. "It's an honor to meet you, Nigel."

Her plan to follow Evelyn had completely vanished from her mind.

Now, her gaze was fixed solely on Nigel Winthrop.

The heir to Winthrop Realty was far superior to that pathetic Sebastian Royston.

Sebastian was nothing but a loser in the Royston family's power struggle—not even comparable to his two older brothers.

But Nigel was the genuine heir to a prestigious fortune.

If she could latch onto this golden opportunity...

Sophia's heartbeat quickened, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her skirt.

She tilted her head slightly, showcasing her best profile, her eyes brimming with calculated allure.

Nigel gave her a warm smile. "Your piano skills are truly impressive, Miss Lowell."

A flicker of mockery passed through his gaze.

That disjointed performance earlier had been nothing short of a disgrace to music.

Yet his gentlemanly facade remained intact.

"Really?" Sophia's eyes widened in feigned delight before she demurely pressed her lips together. "You flatter me, Nigel."

She hastily pulled out her phone, not wanting to miss this chance.

Her fingers trembled slightly as they exchanged contact information.

Nigel's smile deepened.

The prey had taken the bait.

If he could leverage the influence of the seventh Lowell daughter, Winthrop Realty's crisis would be resolved effortlessly.

His gaze discreetly assessed Sophia.

The limited-edition sports car, the priceless pink diamond bracelet, the entourage trailing behind her.

And most telling—her atrocious piano skills.

If she were truly a well-bred heiress of the Lowell family, how could she be so inept?

It only confirmed her identity.

"Call me Sophia," she cooed, her eyes tilting upward with practiced charm.

Nigel obliged smoothly. "Then you must call me Nigel as well."

They exchanged smiles, each hiding their own agenda.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had already slipped into the black Maybach parked by the curb.

"Are you hurt?" Victoria Langley gripped her daughter's wrist.

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm fine, Mom."

Her muscle memory had reacted faster than her thoughts.

It was instinct honed from countless brushes with death.

Victoria exhaled in relief, only to notice the darkening storm in her daughter's eyes.

Evelyn stared out the window, her gaze turbulent with unspoken fury.