Chapter 224

Sophia Lowell stood at the school gate, raising her hand to hail a cab when a sharp, mocking laugh sounded behind her.

"Sophia, are you really making everyone squeeze into taxis?" Isabella Valentine sauntered over in stilettos, twirling her car keys between her fingers. "Can't the Lowells even arrange a decent car?"

Her red lips curled as she swept a disdainful glance over the group.

All eyes instantly locked onto Sophia.

Sophia's fingers trembled. Heat rushed to her cheeks. She tightened her grip on her bag strap, forcing a smile. "Sorry, I didn't think—"

"Don't say that, Sophia!"

"Going to Symphony Heights is already amazing!"

"It's your birthday—you call the shots!"

Several girls quickly jumped in to smooth things over.

Isabella scoffed and pulled out her phone. "Uncle Wang, bring the car around."

In under three minutes, a black Maybach glided to the curb. The driver hurried to open the door for her.

"Passenger seat's free." Isabella leaned against the car, scanning the crowd. "Who wants a ride?"

Instantly, girls surged forward. "Me!"

"Take me too!"

Half of Sophia's friends abandoned her in seconds.

Isabella carelessly pointed at three before sliding in. As the door closed, she shot Sophia a smirk. "See you at Symphony Heights."

Exhaust fumes blasted Sophia in the face.

Lydia Montgomery dug her nails into her palm to stop herself from following. She peeked at Sophia's stormy expression and whispered, "Taxis are fine, Sophia..."

Sophia's nails bit into her own flesh.

Isabella was doing this on purpose!

From suddenly agreeing to attend the party to publicly humiliating her—every move felt like a calculated trap. But then again, Isabella had always been arrogant. Would she really go out of her way to target her?

"Let's go." Sophia took a deep breath and flagged down the third taxi.

By the time they arrived at Symphony Heights, Isabella was sipping tea with effortless grace. She set down her cup lazily as Sophia entered. "Took you long enough."

Sophia opened her mouth to explain—

"Table number?" Isabella cut her off. "Don't tell me you didn't even reserve a spot."