Chapter 233

Sophia Lowell's fingertips trembled slightly.

She stared at the flickering elevator numbers, her throat tight. The penthouse of Symphony Heights was within reach, yet it felt like a ticking time bomb.

"Sophia, why are you so pale?" Lydia Montgomery suddenly leaned in.

Sophia snapped out of her daze and forced a smile. "The air conditioning must be too cold."

She adjusted her expensive cashmere coat—three months' worth of allowance spent just to make an impression tonight.

The elevator mirror reflected her flawless makeup. Her face bore a striking resemblance to Evelyn Laurent, the seventh daughter of the Lowell family. That was her greatest advantage.

Ding—

The doors slid open.

Nigel Winthrop stepped out first, his eyes gleaming. He turned and extended a hand. "Sophia, come."

She took a deep breath and placed her hand in his.

The penthouse lights dazzled her. A champagne tower glittered at the center, waiters weaving through the crowd. On the distant terrace, men in tailored suits conversed.

"Is that your brothers?" Nigel whispered.

Sophia dug her nails into her palm. She didn’t recognize any of them.

"Let’s not approach yet," she suddenly pulled Nigel back. "I want... to surprise them."

Lydia had already rushed to the champagne tower for selfies. Others dispersed, marveling at the lavish decor.

But Nigel’s gaze remained fixed on the terrace. "Sophia, introduce me to your family?"

A cold sweat trickled down her back.

Then, the ballroom doors swung open.

"President Lowell has arrived—"

The room fell silent. Sophia’s blood turned to ice.

A tall figure strode in, flanked by attendants. His sharp features and immaculate suit exuded authority.

Her legs weakened.

Vincent Lowell.

The man who ruled the Lowell Group.

She’d only seen him in financial magazines. Now, he was walking straight toward her.