Aaron frowned as he listened to Sophia’s explanation. “Just to clarify… who did you say your husband is?”
Sophia smirked. “Scott Henry.”
“…”
Having spent a few years in school with Scott Livinus, Aaron knew very well that Scott Henry was Scott Livinus’s nephew. Even though Scott Livinus and Scott Henry’s father weren’t exactly close, family was family. Normally, one would expect Livinus to help his nephew—even if he was a lousy one—rather than aiding someone on the outside.
Interesting.
So, Scott Livinus had gone out of his way to bypass his family’s legal team and recommended Sophia to Aaron. It was as though he didn’t want the Scott family to know he was helping Sophia with her divorce, essentially aiding in a case against his own nephew!
What kind of woman was worth that much trouble?
Behind his black-rimmed glasses, Aaron’s eyes gleamed with intrigue.
He cleared his throat. “I’ll take the case.”
“Alright.”
“And we’ll aim to divide as much of the assets as possible.”
“…” Sophia coughed slightly. “Actually, I just want what I’m due.”
“Your husband tricked you into handing over a valuable family formula and then cheated on you after you got married. Trust me, people online would be very interested in this story.”
Sophia was taken aback. “What are you suggesting?”
Aaron sifted through background information on the other woman and Scott Henry’s parents. “Miss Smith, do you know what wealthy people value most?”
“Their money?”
“No.” Aaron adjusted his glasses, exuding a predatory air. “Their reputation! Public opinion can affect a lot, especially when the other woman is a celebrity. Scott Henry’s parents value appearances, too. Even if they didn’t care, they’d have no choice but to pay to keep you quiet if news got out and Scott Corporation’s stock price took a hit.”
Sophia hesitated, but Aaron’s words gave her a new sense of confidence.
“So, it’s not just a matter of alimony—it’s a question of how much they’re willing to pay to shut you up. And I assume you know a fair amount of the Scott family’s secrets?”
Living in their home for a few years, she had inevitably learned a thing or two. And even if she hadn’t, the internet would readily believe any juicy details she posted, real or not.
After hearing Aaron’s perspective, Sophia realized that it wasn’t her who should be worried—it was Scott Henry.
As soon as she left, Aaron called up Scott Livinus.
“Hello?” came a low, familiar voice from the other end of the line.
Aaron chuckled. “Not bad, Livinus. Seems you’re pretty invested here. Helping her out while risking Scott Corporation’s stock price dropping?”
A long silence followed before Livinus replied, “You’ve got a wild imagination, Aaron. It’s wasted on law.”
“Much appreciated!” Aaron laughed. “Oh, by the way, my fees aren’t exactly modest.”
Livinus practically growled, “When have you ever missed out?”
He hung up with a snap.
Aaron stared at the receiver, contemplating Livinus’s attitude. If he was truly going to help Sophia claim a fair settlement, it would inevitably mean stepping on some toes within the Scott family. Had Livinus given his tacit approval for that?
Aaron shook his head, feeling that Livinus’s involvement in all this was very uncharacteristic.
—
That evening, Sophia sorted through all her evidence of Scott Henry’s infidelity, mentally preparing herself. If he tried to play hardball, she could always get some online influencers to spread the word and create a scandal about the despicable couple.
A sudden knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.
Opening it, she found Scott Henry standing there.
She studied him, eyebrows raised. “What are you doing here?”
“This is my room. Do I need your permission to enter my own room?”
Sophia shrugged. “I’m just surprised, is all. You come home as if it’s a day trip, visiting only once a year. And now you’ve come back for a second time? You’re clearly over your quota.”
Scott Henry looked uncomfortable. She wasn’t wrong; he’d only been in this room once this year, to retrieve a set of misplaced cufflinks during the New Year. This was, indeed, his second time in his own bedroom this year, and her “day-trip” remark hit a little too close to home.
“Sophia, I wanted to talk.”
Sophia kept her hand on the door, smiling politely. “Oh?”
“I’ve given it some thought. We’ve been married for two years… and I think I can meet your conditions.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “How much alimony are we talking?”
Scott Henry averted his gaze. “A hundred thousand, maybe.”
Sophia burst out laughing. Did he take her for a fool? Not only did she have no interest in that measly hundred thousand, but she also knew how much the Smith family’s formula had brought in for the Scotts. And he thought he could buy her out for a hundred grand?
“If it’s not enough, I might be able to add a little…”
Sophia looked at him with a cool smile. “Scott Henry, you never cease to amaze me.”
Scott looked at her, confused, and was about to say something when she walked back inside, grabbed a newspaper, and shoved it into his hands before slamming the door shut.
He frowned down at the newspaper, which had a headline in bold red letters: “Olivia Announces Engagement and Flaunts Million-Dollar Diamond Ring!”
There, on the page, was a photo of Olivia showing off her ring—a diamond so large it made Scott Henry feel like shrinking into the ground.
Yes, he had bought Olivia a ring, but it hadn’t cost millions, though it did run into a few hundred thousand. Lacking his own funds, he’d had to ask his parents for the money. It hadn’t seemed like a big deal at the time, but now, Sophia’s pointed jab made him feel downright worthless.
It wasn’t as if the Scotts lacked money; a hundred thousand was a pittance to them. But Andrea despised Sophia so thoroughly that she refused to release even a penny for her. She’d even gone so far as to say Sophia would leave empty-handed, no matter what.
Caught between so many conflicting demands, Scott Henry was feeling more drained than ever.
—
Back in her room, Sophia started preparing to take a shower.
She stepped out onto the balcony to retrieve her laundry, only to realize that one of her underwear was missing.
“That’s odd. I just hung it up this morning…” Looking around, she spotted her black bra lying on the ground—on the adjacent balcony.
And next door…
Was Scott Livinus’s study! His study and master bedroom shared a terrace that was separated by only a thin wall from Sophia’s bedroom.
She tended to avoid anything that involved Scott Livinus. But somehow, her bra had found its way over to his balcony.
She’d better go retrieve it. Growing up in the mountains had made her quite skilled at climbing walls, so she gave a small shrug, put her hands to the wall, and hopped over.
A light shone through the windows, though thick curtains covered them, casting a faint glow.
Sophia crept over, picked up her bra, and was about to leave when—
The door opened with a sharp click.
Scott Livinus stood in the doorway, silhouetted in the dim light.
The glow cast his skin in a warm tone, his body tall and muscular, partially hidden in the shadows. His cold gaze drifted down to the bra in her hand.
He didn’t say a word.
For her part, Sophia found herself appraising him as well.
Livinus was genuinely tall, with an undeniable presence. His long legs, toned thighs, and well-sculpted build gave off an aura of power and precision.
Yes, and that included… everything below his waist.
Because Scott Livinus was wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. Fresh from the shower, his hair was still damp, and without his usual suit, he looked a few years younger, less rigid than usual.
Sophia averted her gaze, forcing a nervous chuckle. “Uh… my laundry flew over here.”
Without waiting for a response, she hurried back across the balcony, clutching her bra like a prize.
Scott remained silent, watching her retreat.
Just as Sophia opened her door and was about to step inside, his cool voice cut through the air.
“Running away? Not like I haven’t seen it all before.”
