Chapter 234

The elevator doors slid open, and Lydia Montgomery dashed out first.

"Oh my God!"

Her eyes widened in astonishment.

The penthouse was far more spacious than expected, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city's nightscape. A massive LED screen hung at the center, displaying dazzling animations.

"These flowers..."

Someone crouched to touch the dewy roses. The petals glistened with fresh droplets, clearly just arranged.

The crystal grand piano shimmered under the lights, more exquisite than the one downstairs. Rose petals adorned its keys as if awaiting a master's touch.

Sophia Lowell's heartbeat quickened.

How she wished she truly were the seventh daughter of the Lowell family.

"Sophia," Lydia whispered excitedly, eyes gleaming. "May I pick some roses? They're breathtaking."

The floral scent permeated the air. Sophia scanned the room before nodding with feigned generosity. "Take what you like."

Lydia immediately cheered and rushed toward the blossoms.

Nigel Winthrop stood aside, surveying the priceless paintings lining the walls—each a testament to the Lowell fortune. His fist clenched tighter, reinforcing his resolve to pursue Sophia.

"Come see!"

An excited voice called from across the room.

A long table overflowed with exquisitely wrapped gift boxes. Ribbons shimmered under the lights, forming a small mountain of varying sizes.

"These must be gifts from your brothers?" someone asked enviously.

Sophia lifted her chin proudly. "Of course. They adore me."

Yet bitterness churned inside her.

These should have belonged to the real seventh daughter.

"Hey, what's this?"

Lydia plucked colorful pebbles from a flowerpot. They sparkled strangely in her palm, as if enchanted.

"Sophia, can I keep a few?" She gazed at Sophia expectantly.

"Help yourself." Sophia waved dismissively, forcing composure.

Classmates immediately crowded around, scrambling for the gemstones. Laughter echoed through the penthouse—no one noticed the fleeting sorrow in Sophia's eyes.