Still, she refused to back down. “Mind your own business! At least I still have money and my child as leverage. What about you? Do you really think you’re better off than me? Dream on!”
At that moment, a staff member approached and handed Sophia a set of car keys.
“Miss Smith, your new car’s paperwork is complete. Here are the keys.”
Sophia froze. She hadn’t bought a car.
“Are you sure this is for me? I…”The staff member smiled politely. “There’s no mistake, Miss smith. The car is ready, and you can drive it away whenever you like.”
Chloe and Nancy exchanged amused looks and smiled.
“Not only does Sophia belong here, but she’s also buying a new car. What about you, Olivia? Planning to get a new ride today?”
Olivia’s face turned grim. She hadn’t worked in a long time and didn’t have the money for a car. The one she currently drove had been a gift from Scott Henry during better times.
“She bought such an expensive car? Oh, right, she has alimony. After all, it’s still Scott family money!”
The sharp-witted attendees acted as if nothing had happened, surrounding Sophia with laughter and conversation.
Olivia stood there, fuming in anger.
Olivia stared at Sophia, feeling a wave of bitterness in her heart. She had assumed that after being kicked out of the Scott family, Sophia would be pitiful and downtrodden. Who would have thought that not only was Sophia doing well, but she was thriving? She looked even more beautiful than before, had no shortage of money, and appeared to live a carefree life. In contrast, Olivia still hadn’t achieved everything she wanted.
Sophia’s words felt like a curse, making Olivia feel uneasy.
If Scott Henry really had no assets in his name, she would get nothing if they broke up. The thought left Olivia deeply uncomfortable.
—
Sophia rarely got the chance to gather with Chloe and Nancy, but during the evening, they met new people and enjoyed a bit of red wine.
The event organizers provided excellent wine, and after the gathering, Sophia was escorted back to Livinus’s home in a car arranged by the hosts.
For once, Livinus was home earlier than her. Under the warm light, he sat at the desk, head lowered as he reviewed documents.
Without looking up, he said, “Come in.”
Sophia approached and teased, “What are your instructions, President Scott?”
“Did you receive the car?”
“Mm.” Sophia had already guessed it was from him. Initially, he had given her bags, jewelry, and skincare products, which she accepted without much thought since those items didn’t mean much to her. However, upon learning the bag was worth over a million dollars and now receiving a luxury sports car, she felt a bit uneasy. After all, while their relationship was harmonious, they were merely dating, and such expensive gifts felt a little inappropriate.
“This car makes me feel a bit conflicted,” she admitted.
“Hmm?” Livinus finally raised his head, his deep, ink-black eyes meeting hers as if he could see right through her.
“I’m such a novice driver. The moment I get on the road, I might as well be a traffic hazard.”
“No problem. I’ll teach you.”
Sophia hesitated for a moment before speaking honestly. “This gift is too extravagant. It makes me feel a little pressured.”
Livinus tapped his fingers on the desk thoughtfully before his voice dropped. “Come sit on my lap.”
Before she could refuse, he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. His chin grazed her sensitive neck, his low, magnetic voice carrying a hint of seduction.
“Did you forget what day it is tomorrow?”
Sophia frowned, trying to recall. “Is it… my birthday?” she asked tentatively.
“So you do know.”
Sophia froze for a moment. She remembered her past life’s birthday vividly but felt little connection to her original body’s birthday. If not for Livinus’s reminder, she wouldn’t have realized her birthday was during the winter.
“Happy birthday,” Livinus declared firmly. “The car is your birthday gift. You’re not allowed to refuse.”
There it was—his domineering side again.
Sophia couldn’t help but laugh. Most people would jump at the chance to receive such a gift, yet here she was, hesitating. It seemed overly pretentious on her part.
“Then for your birthday, I might not be able to give you something as expensive in return.”
