Chapter 244
The biting wind wrapped around Sophia Lowell's slender frame.
She wandered aimlessly through the streets, her nails digging deep into her palms.
Why?
Why was everyone blaming her? She had only wanted what was best for the Lowell family!
Vincent Lowell's furious shouts still echoed in her ears. Brandon Lowell's icy glare cut through her like a knife.
But what hurt most was Margaret Hill's silence.
Her own mother, who had always doted on her, now chose to stand aside.
Tears blurred her vision. Sophia wiped them away roughly.
"Boom—"
A burst of fireworks suddenly lit up the night sky.
She looked up, the colorful glow reflecting on her pale face.
Laughter drifted from the direction of Symphony Heights.
Sophia's lips twisted into a bitter smile before she vanished into the darkness.
At the penthouse terrace of Symphony Heights, Evelyn Laurent was surrounded by her family.
"Evie, look!" Julian Langley pointed excitedly at the sky. "I specially ordered this fireworks display!"
Sparks formed the words "Happy Birthday" against the night sky.
Evelyn tilted her head back, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Julian! It's beautiful!"
Julian leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Now, Evie, out of all the gifts today—excluding Mom and Dad's—which one is your favorite?"
The table fell silent.
Theodore Langley's fork clattered onto his plate.
That dreaded question again!
Last year, his brothers had put him through the same torture on his birthday.
But this time...
He glanced at the sports car keys and limited-edition gaming console he'd gifted, suddenly feeling confident.
Ethan Sullivan's fingers tightened around his wineglass.
He had given her a pair of custom couple's watches, engraved with their initials on the back.
Evelyn's gaze swept across the table—past the stock certificates from Alexander, the jewelry box from Sebastian—before settling on Ethan.
Her lips curved into a radiant smile. "My favorite gift—"
"—is the watch Ethan gave me."
Before she could finish, all four brothers groaned in unison.