Revenge is best served cold

Chapter 1386

Sophie blinked her eyes open, caught in the warm embrace of a lazy summer afternoon.

"Is this... my brother's place?" she wondered, a bit dazed.

Reality slowly trickled in, and Sophie jolted up from the rocking chair, her gaze fixed on the swing set nearby. It felt like she'd been dreaming.

"Ms. Sophie," a voice called out, snapping her back to the present. "The gentleman's wondering why you haven't changed yet. It's your eighteenth birthday today, after all. Quite the occasion!"

"Oh no, I dozed off!" Sophie gasped, suddenly remembering. "My brother's going to give me an earful!"

She dashed off, not bothering to pick a path. Rick, the ever-watchful assistant, called after her, "Ms. Sophie! Take it easy! Watch your step!"

"Got it!" she yelled back, lifting her dress and sneaking through the garden's back door.

The maids at Burke Estate paused, surprised to see her rushing by. She quickly gestured for silence, putting her fingers to her lips and whispering, "Please, ladies, cover for me! Don't say a word."

softly, turning away in unison as if they hadn't seen

was in the clear and started towards the stairs, a hand caught her ear from

Thought you could sneak away?" Harold

Let go! Seriously,

this time! Let's see how you wriggle out

her along, while Sophie pleaded, "Ow!

always hang around our place. Now you're eighteen, and I'm the one setting everything up! I'm running around like crazy while you nap in the backyard. What did

"I didn't mean to..."

excuses for being lazy! I'll make sure

I swear I won't do it

her best pouty

bit, "Did I really hurt you? I was just messing

then grinned mischievously. "Just a little joke,

she darted