Chapter 363

Alex’s heart went cold, twisted by a deep pang of regret.

Hurting Sophia was never his intention.

She was his everything-his reason for breathing-but everything about her drove his emotions beyond control.

Near her, his heart became a storm of love and pain, so fierce he couldn’t think straight.

He wanted revenge on everyone who had ever hurt Sophia, even her own mother.

Yet now, seeing Sophia rush between them, all he could feel was guilt.

He stood frozen, eyes heavy with shame, unsure how to even begin to explain himself.

Sophia stared at Alex, eyes gentle despite the tension.

“It’s okay,” she whispered softly. “I know you didn’t mean it. I just don’t want you to hurt my mother, even if she’s the one who’s wrong p>

Alex lowered his gaze, voice barely audible. “I’m sorry p>

Sophia stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him.

“Don’t apologize,” she murmured into his chest.

“I know exactly why you acted that way. I was there-I saw what happened when Laura Montclair sent those soldiers after you p>

“But I still hurt you,” Alex said, his voice heavy with regret.

Sophia gently cupped his face, forcing him to meet her eyes.

“Alex, I’ve hurt you countless times. Honestly, it’s almost a relief that you hit me back p>

“Sophia!” Florence staggered backward, nearly losing her footing, fury blazing in her eyes.

“Unbelievable! Did he just try to lay his filthy hands on me? Look closely, Sophia! This is the man you love? I’d rather see him dead! Do you hear me? Dead p>

“Enough!” Sophia spun around sharply, glaring at Florence.

“You were the one who started hitting first, Mom. If you don’t shut your mouth right now, I’m walking out of this place forever p>

Florence’s rage trembled visibly, but seeing the fierce determination in her daughter’s face, she forced herself to hold back her venom.

“Sophia!” Henny’s voice sliced through the tension like a knife, her glare so vicious it could kill.

“How dare you allow this man to strike me! Have you completely forgotten your position p>

“Madam Henny,” Sophia said coldly.

“I don’t know exactly why you came here today, but let me make one thing clear-

I am not your puppet. Even without your help, I would still be Governor of Paris. So stop treating me like an idiot p>

“Sophia Lancaster!” Clarissa snapped harshly. “Who gave you the right to speak to Grandma like that p>

Sophia turned slowly, eyes blazing.

“What’s wrong with my speak? If anyone needs to watch their mouth, Clarissa Montclair, it’s you and your grandmother when speaking to me p>

“You arrogant little—” Clarissa started again, but Henny raised her hand, silencing her instantly.

“Tell me, Sophia, why exactly should I watch my words with you?” Henny said dangerously, her eyes narrowing.

“Unless you can explain yourself clearly, I’ll show you no mercy for your betrayal to your family p>

Sophia met Henny’s stare evenly, calm yet unyielding.

“Did you know that the governor of Chicago, Lyra Thompson, is my closest friend p>

“She called me the other day to tell

me that Montclair owes the

government over a billion

dollars dirty money tied to

corruption, all orchestrated by Laura Montclair, your daughter, in the name of Montclair family.

“She asked what I planned to do about it p>

“But from your arrogance, it’s clear Montclair doesn’t need my help.” Sophia

calmly took out her phone and dialed a number.

“Lyra, about Montclair-I suggest you go all out. No need to hold back on my account p>

“You!” Henny was stunned speechless.

She had come here to put Sophia in her place. Never in her wildest dreams did

she imagine that the obedient lamb she planned to tame would turn into a roaring

lion.

“Sophia! How dare you betray Montclair!” Henny jumped to her feet, her voice shaking with rage.

“Do

n understand how

you even

powerful we are? You think just

because you’re the acting

governor a rookie-you can threaten the foundations of our family? We can destroy you. Don’t forget that p>

Sophia smiled coldly, eyes glinting with amusement.

“Did you hear that, Lyra? Henny Montclair just said a billion dollars won’t even

scratch their foundation. What do you think about that p>

Henny trembled with anger, her fists clenched tightly, but she refused to back down.

Sophia nodded calmly. “Alright, Lyra, thanks. I’ll wait five minutes p>

Ending the call, Sophia turned her piercing gaze toward Henny and gave a chilling smile.

“Congratulations. In five minutes, you’re going to find out just how easily Montclair can be shaken. And if that’s still not enough for you, just give me a call. I can always add more p>

Henny and Clarissa stood frozen, too shocked to even form words.

Sophia reached out and took Alex’s arm gently. “Let’s get out of here. Clearly, we’re not welcome p>

“Sophia Lancaster! You better stop right there unless you want to lose everything!” Henny screamed furiously, her voice echoing through the room.

Just then, her phone rang loudly, shattering the silence.

Henny glanced down at the caller ID, her face growing pale when she saw the Montclair family estate’s number.

Trembling, she answered the call.

“Henny! Where the hell are you?” snapped the acting matriarch of the Montclair family.

“What’s going on?” Henny demanded, anger still thick in her voice.

“The governor of Chicago just held a press conference. She announced she’s fast-tracking the recovery of the billion-dollar corruption money Laura Montclair owes the government p>

“What? That fast?” Henny’s heart nearly stopped.

“Oh, it gets worse,” the matriarch hissed, her voice laced with venom.

“She mentioned you by name-said, ‘Henny Montclair thinks a billion dollars is nothing.’ So now, she’s doubled the amount we owe. And they’ve already started seizing Montclair assets in Chicago p>

“What?!” Henny staggered backward, her legs trembling violently.

“Listen carefully, you old fool! Whatever you did, congratulations-it worked

perfectly! You just destroyed the Montclair family p>

The matriarch’s voice turned ice cold.

“Henny, you’re already halfway into the grave. You should stop looking for trouble,

shut your mouth, buy your coffin, and start digging p>

“Find whoever you offended and beg for forgiveness on your knees. If you don’t

fix this mess, I swear I’ll send someone to end you myself, you worthless bastard p>

Henny’s face drained of all color.

Her whole body shook uncontrollably as she watched Sophia and Alex calmly walking away, disappearing through the door.