Chapter 361

“What’s all this about?” Sophia snapped, her eyes blazing as she glared at Henny.

“You’ve crossed the line. You’re not welcome here-get out p>

Henny’s expression turned icy. “You’re kicking me out? Do you realize what this means p>

“I’ll report this straight to the Montclairs. You’re throwing away your chance to become the matriarch p>

“Whatever, Get out!” Sophia yelled.

“N-No! Sophia, control yourself,” Florence quickly interjected, forcing an awkward smile despite the redness spreading across her face.

“It’s my fault entirely. Serving such low-quality tea to Madam Henny was unforgivable. Of course, you deserve only the finest. This mistake is mine p>

Clarissa sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “What pathetic groveling p>

Henny shifted her cold gaze to Sophia.

“Sophia, what are you standing around for? Apologize immediately to Madam Henny,” Florence pleaded, her voice desperate.

Sophia shook her head stubbornly. “Forget it, Mom. I refuse to bow to her. Let the Montclairs decide-I won’t be their pawn p>

She spun on her heels, ready to leave.

“Stop right there,” Henny barked sharply, throwing a venomous glance Sophia’s way.

“Do you really think your dear grandma Betty can protect you? Let me enlighten you-the Montclairs are still divided p>

“Right now, barely half support you. You need my help if you want to become the Matriarch and eventually the Governor of Paris p>

With a dramatic slam of her hand on the table, she leaned in, eyes blazing.

“With my support, the governorship is all but guaranteed. All you have to do is show a little respect… and pour me a drink p>

Florence’s eyes widened urgently.

“Sophia! Hurry up! Serve Madam Henny her tea-only the very best this time,” she urged, trying to signal discreetly.

This was the chance of a lifetime, humiliation be damned.

What was dignity compared to the power of being governor?

“Sophia, think clearly,” James chimed in eagerly.

“You need her support. Imagine me-the brother of the Governor of Paris! The city’s famous beauties would swarm around me. We’d celebrate every night p>

“No,” Sophia said flatly, unmoved.

Florence rushed over, pulling Sophia aside desperately.

“Look at me,” she whispered fiercely.

“I’m already humiliated, drowning like a rat in a sewer. Just one more step and it’s all over. Madam Henny will support you this will be the last time, I swear. Control yourself just this once p>

“Mom p>

“Don’t argue,” Florence begged. “If you still respect me as your mother, do this last thing for me. Please p>

“But Mom p>

“Sophia, do you want me on my knees?” Florence’s voice cracked with desperation.

“My dream is to see you become governor. Imagine what my friends would say. Please, for me. Just this once p>

Sophia’s heart softened at her mother’s pitiful plea.

“Fine,” she relented. “But this is the last time p>

“Yes!” Florence hissed triumphantly. “Now put on your best smile. This is your ticket straight to the governor’s office p>

Sophia took a deep breath, following her mother’s instructions.

She grabbed the fresh tea from the maid and forced a smile as she handed it to Henny.

Florence kept whispering anxiously, “Smile bigger-make it convincing p>

Henny scoffed, snatching the cup from Sophia’s hand. “And what tea is this supposed to be p>

Sophia met her gaze squarely.

“I have no idea,” she said coolly. “If it’s not to your liking, feel free not to drink it p>

“Is this how you speak to me p>

Madam Henny snapped furiously in

a rage,

she hurled the cup of tea

straight into Sophia’s face,

10萬

drenching her completely.

Florence and James froze, instantly realizing the trouble brewing.

It was clear as day-Henny was deliberately humiliating Sophia.

“Sophia? What kind of upbringing did you have?” Clarissa sneered, her voice dripping with contempt.

“Your attitude is vile, your manners are nonexistent-and your taste in tea is downright revolting.” A twisted

smile curled on her lips as she leaned in with smug satisfaction.

Sophia shook with rage, ready to slap Madam Henny, but Alex quickly grabbed

her wrist, his voice urgent but controlled.

“Sophia, you’re acting governor. Don’t do something that could ruin your reputation p>

Sophia hesitated, watching Alex calmly bend down to pick up the teapot.

“Listen carefully, Sophia,” Alex murmured.

“Sometimes people provoke you intentionally. They want you to strike first so they can drag your name through the mud, strip away your governorship, or even cost you your chance to become matriarch p>

“Who the hell do you think you are?” Clarissa shouted, her voice trembling with outrage.

Alex’s eyes hardened. “Sophia, everyone in this room knows exactly why they’re here they came looking for trouble p>

In one swift, shocking movement, Alex raised the ceramic pot filled with steaming tea and smashed it directly into Madam Henny’s face.

The pot shattered violently, hot tea splashing and burning across her skin. Henny screamed in agony as boiling tea and leaves soaked her face, leaving a trail of scalded redness and sticky tea leaves clinging everywhere. Clarissa stared in disbelief, stunned by Alex’s audacity. “You… How dare you p>

Without hesitation, Alex grabbed another teapot and swung it ferociously at Clarissa’s face.

“To tell you the truth, I’m not in the mood to hold back today,” Alex growled fiercely.

“And frankly, you’re both too arrogant. You’ve pushed my buttons perfectly, and now you’re paying the price p>