Chapter 22
The security team nodded and hurried off.
Dad turned to the guests with an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, everyone. My daughter isn’t feeling well tonight, so she won’t be able to meet you all. Hopefully next time we can properly introduce her p>
He then stepped down from the stage with Charlotte trailing behind him.
Down below, Marcus was already laying into me. “Sophia’s got zero manners! She’s never learned how to act in public p>
Mom was just as pissed. “How can we trust her with any company responsibilities if she’s this unreliable p>
Charlotte put on her fake concerned voice. “I’m sure Sophia was just nervous, but disappearing like that was really inappropriate p>
Dad also nodded, looking genuinely disappointed. “Guess we’re going to have to teach her some basic etiquette. Can’t believe she’d get stage fright at such an important event p>
Right then, security came back. “Mr. Sterling, we found her p>
“Where is she?” Dad’s voice had an edge to it.
“In… in the bathroom, sir p>
“What?!” Dad looked completely baffled. “What the hell is she doing in there? Take us there now p>
The bathroom door had been locked from the outside, but they got it open easily enough.
The first thing Mom said when she saw me in that janitor’s uniform wasn’t concern or worry–it was pure accusation.
“Sophia! Do you have any idea how much damage you’ve done to our company’s reputation by pulling this stunt p>
Marcus jumped in too. “You’re supposed to be a grown–up! Why are you still causing drama? Charlotte would never act like this p>
Even Dad was frowning at me. “What’s going on here, sweetheart? ”
I put on my most innocent face. “The door was locked from the outside. Obviously someone did this on purpose. Why are you all blaming me for something so obvious? Are you trying to make me look bad p>
Everyone suddenly looked embarrassed as hell, and Dad tried to smooth things over. “We’re just worried about you, honey. Don’t take it the wrong way. Do you know who locked you in here p>
I let my eyes drift over to Charlotte.
“Charlotte spilled her drink on my dress and offered to help me change. But then she disappeared, took my clothes and my phone, and locked me in here. I couldn’t get out no matter what I tried p>
“I thought maybe you all decided I’d be too embarrassing at the party, so you had Charlotte lock me up. If I’d known I was causing this much trouble, I would’ve crawled out the window. ”
Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to Charlotte.
“What’s this about?” Dad stared at Charlotte with a serious expression. “And didn’t you just tell me you hadn’t seen Sophia p>
Charlotte visibly panicked for a second, but then the crocodile tears started flowing, “Sophia, I know you can’t stand me, but you can’t just frame me like this! I had nothing to do with this p>
The moment Charlotte started crying, they all flipped sides again.
Mom immediately came to her defense. “ Charlotte never lies. She would never do something like this p>
Chapter 4
Marcus joined in with his usual Charlotte worship. “Sophia, you can’t just blame Charlotte to get out of trouble. That’s seriously messed up p>
I was about to speak when Charlotte cut me off, really laying it on thick.
“Sophia, I know you’re jealous that I took your place and that everyone loves me, but you can’t hurt the family like this just to get back at me!” This update is available on ~net
Dad’s expression also darkened. “Sophia, you can’t say things that hurt the family unity p>
I didn’t answer directly.
In my past life, I had no proof and couldn’t defend myself against their favoritism toward Charlotte.
But this time, I wasn’t panicking. Instead, I pointed at the wall directly across from the bathroom entrance.
“If you don’t believe me, just check the security cameras p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.