Chapter 37

September sunlight bathed the grand entrance of Harvard University.

New student orientation day buzzed with activity. Cars lined the streets as young faces, accompanied by parents, dragged suitcases filled with dreams.

Sophia Lowell stood out in the crowd in her white dress. Her wavy hair fluttered in the breeze, her flawless makeup accentuating her elegance.

"Truly the nation's top institution," Vincent Lowell murmured, gazing at the majestic gates.

Margaret Hill held her daughter's arm, pride shining in her eyes. "Sophia is now a Harvard student."

Sophia smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Mom and Dad. I won't waste this opportunity."

Entering Harvard as an exchange student marked a new chapter in her life. Graduates from here were destined for greatness.

Three months had passed since the incident. The Lowell family's injuries had healed completely. Sophia regained her poised demeanor, drawing admiring glances.

Though expelled from The Grand Hyatt, Vincent avoided further retaliation. He lost his title as Cloudhaven's wealthiest man, his fortune diminished.

"Sophia, the family's future rests on you," Vincent whispered. "Whether we reclaim our status or establish ourselves in Boston depends entirely on you."

The past three months had been spent grooming Sophia relentlessly—etiquette, talents, even dossiers on Boston's elite families.

"I understand," Sophia replied demurely.

Her parents nodded in approval. This was their trueborn daughter, refined despite seventeen years away.

Unlike that Evelyn Laurent...

Vincent's expression darkened at the thought of his adopted daughter. The humiliation of being publicly ejected from The Grand Hyatt still burned. Though spared further consequences, he blamed Evelyn entirely.

"Evelyn Laurent!" Brandon Lowell suddenly shouted.

A taxi pulled up at the gates.

Evelyn stepped out in simple black athletic wear, a document folder in hand. Sunlight illuminated her bare face, fresh and unadorned.

She had declined her brothers' offer to accompany her. As a newcomer, she preferred to avoid drawing attention.