Chapter 258

Sunlight streamed through the chapel's stained glass, casting a glow on Sophia Lowell's pale face. She stood at the center of the crowd, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.

Evelyn Laurent leaned against the wall, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She idly twirled a strand of hair, but her gaze remained locked on Sophia.

"Word is you're the seventh daughter of the Lowell family?" Evelyn's voice floated over, sharp as a blade.

Sophia's breath hitched.

Dr. Gregory Evans' voice cut through the tension. "Second place in the charity fundraiser—Sophia Lowell from the Physics Department."

The room fell silent.

Sophia felt the weight of countless stares like spotlights. She saw Vincent Lowell's eyes redden with emotion, while Lydia Montgomery frantically signaled at her.

"Sophia, go up there!" Someone nudged her forward.

Her legs felt like lead, each step an agonizing effort. The air in the chapel thickened, making it hard to breathe.

Sophia bit her lower lip hard. She suddenly realized she stood at a crossroads in her life.

One wrong move, and everything would crumble.

She took a deep breath and made her decision.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Sophia walked straight to Richard Langley and Victoria Langley. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Dad. Mom."

Then she turned to the six young men behind them. "Brothers."

Victoria's eyes turned icy.

"Whose daughter is this?" Her voice rang clear and mocking. "My daughter is far more beautiful than you."

Sophia froze as if struck by lightning.

She saw Vincent lurch up from his wheelchair, Lydia covering her mouth in shock. The chapel fell into stunned silence, everyone reeling from the sudden turn of events.

"I—" Sophia opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Victoria rose gracefully, looking down at her with disdain. "So young, yet already scheming to claim relations? The Langley family doesn't open its doors to just any stray."

Evelyn let out a quiet laugh from the corner.

Sophia's world spun. She finally understood—the carefully woven lie had unraveled completely.