Sofina drew in a slow breath, her chest tight with fury she refused to show.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," she said evenly, her eyes sweeping across the room. "I didn't fail. I struck a deal with Countess Marlena Von Adler of the Eden Group. The Wolfsbane Group is now officially partnered with Eden. Whether you like it or not-I succeeded."

The room froze.

Beatrix's mouth fell open. "What-what did you just say? You're telling us you actually did it?"

Annabella barked a laugh, sharp and bitter. "Oh, please. Impossible! You couldn't even meet Countess Marlena Von Adler. Everyone saw you being thrown out of the building!"

A low wave of murmurs rolled through the hall.

Conrad leaned forward, his lips curling into a sneer. “You really expect us to believe that crap? Everyone knows your ex-husband threw you out of the Eden Group building himself!"

"You weren't even allowed past the lobby. So tell me, Sofina-what's your little game this time?"

Beatrix slammed her hand against the table, "Miss Von Adler is one of the most powerful women in this city! Why on earth would she meet with you?" Her voice rose to a near-shout. "Do you even understand who you are?"

But Sofina didn't flinch. Not once. She simply lifted her wrist, and with a faint tap on her bracelet, a holographic screen flickered to life.

A glowing digital document appeared in midair-the Eden Group crest gleaming in gold at the top.

"This," she said clearly, "is the official contract. You can all check it yourselves."

Gasps erupted as copies transferred automatically to every device in the room. Screens lit up with the same document-stamped with Eden's seal, signed and verified.

The silence that followed was deafening. The contract hit the Wolfsbane mansion like a bomb


Shock. Panic. Disbelief.

Beatrix's face turned red. "This-this must be fake! You forged it! There's no way you could've done this!"

Annabella's voice cut through the stunned quiet, full of venom. "Who does she think she is?" she hissed.

"Even the Krüger family couldn't secure a deal with the Eden Group! If she could really do it—hell, I'd have done it years ago!"

Sofina's lips curved into a cold smile. "My dear cousin, you're mistaken. This isn't just a collaboration. The Eden Group has already paid us a hundred million dollars as a down payment."

Gasps filled the hall. Heads turned. Eyes widened.

She shifted her gaze toward Beatrix, her tone turning razor-sharp. "And Beatrix- don't forget our little wager. You said if I pulled this off, you'd hand me your mansion. I'll be expecting the keys on my desk by tomorrow morning."

Beatrix threw back her head and laughed. "A hundred million dollars? From Eden Group? That's the best joke I've heard all year. You really expect us to believe that nonsense? Anyone can fake a few documents and forge some signatures. You're lying, Sofina—and badly."

Annabella folded her arms and sneered. "You're making a fool out of Grandma, and out of all of us. Have you no shame left?"

Beatrix turned sharply toward the Baroness, "Grandmother, this is ridiculous! You can't let her insult this family like that. She's standing here, lying to your face, humiliating all of us!"

Sofina didn't flinch. She reached into her folder and pulled out a sleek, embossed check, holding it up for everyone to see

"This," she said clearly, "is the down payment from the Eden Group. One hundred million dollars. You can verify it yourselves."

Sofina's hand, and tore it to pieces in front of everyone. The fragments fluttered


think waving a fake check will make

we should throw this scam artist out before she drags our family's

room fell silent. All eyes turned

rigid, her face tightening with barely contained fury. Her knuckles whitened against the

her granddaughter, but logic-and pride- refused

rejected offers from

disappointment? She managed to do

she could lie to me? she thought bitterly. In

table, the sound echoing through the hall like a

"Enough!" she thundered.

“You've crossed the line.

For a moment, the words hit her like a slap. But then the sting turned to

to please his fragile ego, how she'd smiled through humiliation just to keep him


Alex would've never bowed

with fire in his eyes-spitting words sharp enough to cut, mocking each of

her cue. Maybe it was finally time to

quiet laugh escaped her lips-low, fearless,

laugh at me because I'm different,' she thought. 'I laugh because they're

and met

I'll go gladly. But remember this— once I walk out that door, I'm never coming

a short, cruel laugh. "You think your little threats scare us? You're nothing but

Sofina smiled-a dangerous,

"When

your mistake. If you want me back, you'll have to kneel and kiss the

"Keep dreaming," Beatrix snapped.

heels clicking against the marble floor. She didn't

who endures fire

coming back," Annabella called after

eyes glinting. "You'll be the second to kneel,"

tone chimed through

and accepted it. A man's face appeared in the air

the man

congratulate you on your new collaboration

supplier

Group. Ive

Eden, and I'd be honored to offer my services to you

.net

and

talking about? Are you mocking

looked puzzled.

received the official announcement? The Eden Group has publicly confirmed your partnership, even heard they transferred a hundred million dollars to your account as

froze again-this time in complete, stunned

hard in

whispered, her voice trembling.

call nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I just checked the Eden Group's official information page. It's confirmed-approved directly by

react, a voice shouted from

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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