Chapter 226

Isabella Valentine's red lips curved in a smirk as she cast a challenging glance at Sophia Lowell.

"Follow me if you want to come." She lazily tossed her long hair.

Her stilettos clicked sharply against the marble floor.

A waiter respectfully pressed the elevator button for her.

Half the classmates followed without hesitation.

Sophia stood rooted in place, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She forced a smile. "It's my fault for not planning properly..."

"Sophia, don't blame yourself!" Someone immediately defended her.

"Isabella is just throwing her weight around!"

"How could she compare to Sophia's kindness?"

Hearing the support, a flicker of satisfaction flashed in Sophia's eyes.

She waved her hand with feigned magnanimity. "I really didn't arrange things well."

At the reception desk, Lydia Montgomery leaned in curiously. "Who booked the penthouse?"

"Apologies, that information is confidential." The attendant politely declined.

Lydia turned away in frustration and headed straight for the restroom.

Inside a stall, she suddenly overheard a conversation outside.

"I heard the penthouse was reserved by the Lowells?"

"Shh. It's for the seventh daughter's birthday banquet."

"Mr. Lowell will arrive soon..."

Lydia's pupils constricted.

She rushed back to Sophia, breathless with excitement. "Sophia! Incredible news!"

"What is it?" Sophia frowned.

"The penthouse was booked by your family! For the seventh daughter's birthday!"

Sophia's breath hitched.

The same birthday? The same restaurant?

Her heart pounded like a drum.

"Could it be..." Lydia's eyes gleamed. "A surprise from your family?"

Sophia instantly replaced her expression with a sweet smile. "They always do things like this."

She smoothed her hair, feigning playful exasperation. "Honestly, keeping secrets from me again."

Lydia gazed at her enviously. "Your family spoils you too much!"

"Of course they do." Sophia lifted her chin.

Her mind was already calculating how to exploit this "coincidence."