Chapter 16

"Enjoy your damn retirement, you old hag! Keep running that foul mouth and karma will bite you!"

Vivian Ashcroft lived by the motto "manners are overrated" and didn’t hold back.

"The Qing Dynasty fell centuries ago. How is a fossil like you still crawling around embarrassing yourself? Shouldn’t you be home serving your husband and kids instead of throwing a tantrum here? Watch out—someone might just knock you out in broad daylight."

Sophia Lowell: "..."

She suddenly realized she’d underestimated her best friend’s combat skills.

This was brutal.

Mrs. Clementson’s face had turned the color of liver, veins bulging in fury.

"Mrs. Clementson," Sophia said coldly, "civilized people don’t bark like rabid dogs. I’ve made myself clear—your family is the one harassing me. Not even an extra million would make me look twice at your son. From now on, let’s pretend we’re strangers."

"You—!"

The older woman trembled with rage.

Daniel Clementson, seeing his mother humiliated, adopted a wounded expression. "Sophia, I thought you were different from other women. Turns out you’re just as crude. No matter how harsh my mother’s words were, she’s still your elder. How could you let your friend insult her?"

Vivian nearly gagged.

Was this idiot binge-watching toxic family dramas?

She was ready to fire back when Sophia stopped her with an icy glare. "Sorry to disappoint, but this is exactly who I am. Disrespect my best friend again, and words won’t be the only thing flying." Her lips curled into a smirk. "I don’t exactly have a soft spot for elders."

Daniel’s face darkened.

Vivian mentally applauded.

If only Sophia had unleashed this side on that bastard Ethan Roscente sooner, she wouldn’t have suffered so much.

"Oh, Sophia! What a coincidence!"

An unwelcome voice cut in. Sophia turned to see Aunt Mei—her aunt’s friend who’d set her up with Daniel.

Sophia gave a curt nod and tried to steer Vivian away.

"Wait, dear!" Aunt Mei blocked their path. "I need to talk to you—"

Beep!

A black luxury car pulled up, blocking the restaurant entrance.

Sophia’s stomach dropped.

When Zachary Evans stepped out of the driver’s seat, her last shred of hope vanished.

She ducked her head, ready to bolt.

"Miss Lowell."

Zachary spotted her instantly.

The rear door swung open.

A pair of cold eyes locked onto her from the backseat.

Sophia’s breath hitched.