Chapter 51

"We should never see each other again. It's bad for your health - all this agitation will age you prematurely."

Evelyn's words struck Sophia like physical blows before she turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Sophia's demeanor shifted instantly. She grabbed Evelyn's arm with both hands, her voice trembling. "I was wrong. I'm so sorry. Hit me, yell at me, do whatever makes you feel better."

Evelyn turned slowly to face her.

Sophia's hands slid from Evelyn's shoulders to grasp her fingers instead. With wide, innocent eyes, she whispered, "Evie, you know I've always lacked a father's love. That's why I envied you so much. When I joined your family, I resented your happiness. But I was young and foolish then. Please believe me - I never meant to steal Nathan from you..."

Evelyn knew every trick in Sophia's playbook after years of their toxic dance.

Without looking, she sensed someone approaching behind her.

This pathetic performance wasn't for her benefit - it was for their audience.

"Evie, Nathan and I never slept together. There was only that one night overseas when I had nowhere else to go. He took the bed, I slept on the floor. Nothing happened." Sophia raised one hand in oath while clinging to Evelyn with the other. "I swear on my life."

Evelyn yanked her hand free. "Enough of your solo drama."

"You really hate me that much?" Sophia's voice cracked. Tears spilled from her doe eyes as she gazed at Evelyn.

The waterworks were impressive. To any observer, Evelyn would appear the cruel stepsister tormenting poor Sophia.

Knowing Nathan stood behind her, Evelyn smirked. "I couldn't care less what you two did. Why this performance today? Regretting your conquest? Was he that disappointing in bed you want a refund?"

Sophia's teary eyes widened like a wounded fawn. Inside, she seethed. 'How dare you call Nathan used goods? Look at yourself - what man would want such a dried-up prune of a woman?'

"That's enough." Nathan strode forward, gripping Sophia's wrist as he pulled her away.

Evelyn stood her ground.

"Nathan, you're hurting me..." Sophia whimpered, struggling weakly against his iron grip.

He didn't relent. As Sophia yelped in pain, she glanced back at Evelyn - and flashed a triumphant smile.

"Go home. We'll discuss the child tomorrow." Nathan released Sophia abruptly, lighting a cigarette with agitated movements before driving off.

Sophia gaped at his retreating taillights, barely restraining her scream of frustration.

Nathan drove with one hand on the wheel, fuming over Evelyn's insults. 'Bad in bed? Discarded shoes? We'll see who gets discarded!'

"Bitch!" He jerked the wheel around a corner, angrily flicking his cigarette out the window.

Abandoned in the parking lot, Sophia noticed bystanders staring. She wiped her tear-streaked face and muttered, "Evelyn Sinclair, you'll beg for mercy soon. I always get what I want - your marriage, your man, everything you hold dear."