Chapter 31

"I'm moving out," I said.

Victoria's voice was cold. "Is this family abusing you? Haven't we given you a room?"

I pursed my lips. Before I could speak, Bella interrupted. "Sophia, you slut! You're so cheap. You're going to work at Stratovski Jewelry and you're suing me? You're so proud of yourself. Now you're pretending to be pitiful in front of Mother!"

Bella's gaze was menacing.

Victoria said coldly, "Bella, enough!"

Bella's eyes were red as she stared at me silently.

Victoria turned back to me. "Do you have to leave?"

Thinking of Luka's words, I said, "I have to leave."

Victoria's eyes flashed. "When did you meet Luka?"

"Two days ago," I admitted.

"What's your relationship with him?" Victoria's tone was unnervingly calm.

I was startled. "It's okay."

Victoria suddenly laughed. "That's right. If it weren't okay, how could he have helped you get into Stratovski Jewelry and even sue Bella for you?"

I looked at Victoria's smile, sensing something was amiss. A chill ran down my spine. "Mom, is there anything else?" I wanted to leave as soon as possible.

The smile faded from Victoria's face. "Yes. Can you withdraw the lawsuit against Bella?"

I froze. I knew she favored Bella, but I hadn't expected such a direct request. Resentment welled up inside me. "Bella plagiarized my work, and she sued me first! Besides, I'm at Stratovski now, and they wouldn't allow a designer with a plagiarism scandal. I can't control this!"

The coldness in Victoria's eyes flickered. "Really? Then you can beg President Luka for mercy, ask him not to be so ruthless. How about that?"

Victoria paused, staring at me. "After all, Bella is your sister! There's all this online hate directed at Bella, and she can't even leave the house. Aren't you satisfied enough?"

I frowned at her aggressive tone. "I'll ask President Luka first. I'm leaving!"

I grabbed my suitcase and started to leave.

Victoria grabbed my suitcase, staring at me. "Okay, leave if you want. Stay for dinner. Gerald Hughes is coming. Afterward, I'll have the driver take you home."

My expression changed. I understood: she wanted me to meet Gerald, likely to arrange a marriage.

"No, thank you, I don't want dinner…" Before I could finish, Victoria interrupted.

With a cold face, she said sternly, "What? You don't give me any face now? Even if Bella plagiarized your work, did I order her to do it?"

I looked at her. "Mother, will you let me go after dinner?"

Victoria looked at me. "Otherwise, I can still tie you up!"

My spirits sank. I released my suitcase.

Bella's gaze followed me like a viper, but she didn't approach.

Soon, Gerald arrived, looking pleased to see me.

"Miss Lopez, I'm Gerald Hughes," he said, his eyes lingering on me.

I felt nauseated by his gaze. "Sophia Lopez," I said coldly.

He moved closer, sitting beside me. "Miss Lopez, don't be so cold. Let's talk, have an 'in-depth exchange!'"

I frowned, stood up, and went to the bathroom.

Fortunately, dinner was served quickly, preventing further pestering from Gerald.

At the dining table, I just wanted to eat and leave. However, I grew increasingly sleepy. Something was wrong. I struggled to stand. "Mom, I don't feel well…"

Before I could finish, I fell back in my chair, then onto the dining table.

No one seemed surprised by my collapse.

Victoria was expressionless, as if expecting this. "Gerald, take her to the room."

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet 21.2% Chapter… (Continues)