Chapter 30: Scandal Breaks

Maple Grove Estates is one of the most expensive areas in the city, where only the rich and powerful can afford to buy property. Sophia had heard rumors about Luke, who had been pretending to be a rich second generation to deceive young women. It was later revealed that his property in Maple Grove Estates was rented.

Sophia's eyes were filled with surprise as Preston calmly turned the steering wheel. "It's my friend's place," he explained, "I had the keys because of an emergency. He lives abroad most of the time."

Sophia still had some doubts until Preston reminded her that they attended the same university. Preston, being a top student, knowing wealthy people wasn't unusual.

"We forgot to tidy up the place," Sophia said. "Preston, I'll go back and clean it properly next week."

Preston nodded slightly. "Next week, then."

Sophia lowered her head, thinking about how their relationship had developed so naturally, as if they were an old married couple. Everything seemed normal, as if they had known each other for a long time.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay? I can take you home if you're not well."

"No, I'm fine," Sophia insisted, even though her legs felt weak and she was incredibly sore. She was also quite sleepy, having only a vague memory of their wild night and forgetting that they had slept until nearly dawn.

Preston, in contrast, looked refreshed and full of energy. As Sophia stepped out in her high heels, she turned back to remind Preston to drive carefully.

"Sophia!" Isabella called out. "Why are you here so early today?"

Sophia ran into Isabella, who noticed her unusual punctuality.

"Did anything happen last night?" Isabella asked, concerned.

"No, everything's fine," Sophia replied, though Isabella looked like she wanted to say more. She linked arms with Sophia and led her upstairs.

"Luke was fired," Isabella whispered. "I heard Ella even caused a scene."

Sophia's expression turned cold and indifferent. "Oh, really?" she said calmly, surprising Isabella, who had always known Sophia to be kind and patient.

Since joining the company at the same time, Sophia had endured many difficulties as an intern. Recently, they had been working in the same department, with Isabella handling the sales of their comics, leading to more interaction between them. Isabella had never seen this side of Sophia, though she remembered Sophia standing up for her against her ex-husband when no one else did.

Isabella cautiously asked, "Sophia, did something happen last night?"

"Yes," Sophia replied, placing her bag down. She briefly recounted the events of the previous night. "Luke drugged me and tried to take me to his place, but he didn't succeed."

"Oh my god!" Isabella exclaimed, pulling Sophia closer to check for any injuries. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Sophia assured her, not wanting to hide the truth from her only friend in the company. Just then, the office door slammed open.

Ella stormed in, furious. "Sophia, you got Luke fired! What are you up to?"

Luke had been a skilled worker and Ella's trusted assistant, despite his character flaws.

"You're talking nonsense, Ella! Luke hurt Sophia!" Isabella retorted, defending Sophia.

Sophia usually ignored such people, but Isabella couldn't stand seeing her friend being bullied.

Sophia held Isabella back, feeling touched by her support. Ella's face turned red with anger. "Everyone knows you two are in cahoots! Isabella, how many of your men have you introduced to Sophia behind everyone's back?"

"Oh, I almost forgot, Sophia's married, right?" Ella mocked, her eyes filled with disdain. "How strange, though, for a married woman to be seducing other men!"

"Ella!" Isabella could hardly contain her anger, but Sophia remained calm.

Ella stepped back, raising her voice to draw attention. "Sophia doesn't say a word, but you act like a loyal dog! But remember, Sophia isn't as innocent as she seems."

Ella waved her phone, showing a photo of Henry supporting Sophia, looking quite intimate. If this photo were to spread, it would cause a scandal.

Sophia's cold, steady gaze met Ella's. Isabella tried to keep her composure but couldn't hide her admiration for Sophia's cool demeanor.

"What did you say?" Ella taunted, moving closer. "Say it again."

Sophia's slap echoed through the office, leaving everyone in stunned silence. People stopped to watch, and Isabella covered her mouth in shock, unable to suppress a grin. Sophia looked so cool!

The slap had been strong, and Ella's face burned. She glared at Sophia, her eyes blazing with rage.

Ella lunged to retaliate, but Sophia anticipated the move, easily dodging and pinning Ella against the desk with swift, decisive movements.

Isabella was amazed, staring in disbelief.

Sophia leaned in, her grip firm. "Did you and Luke plan to drug me?"

"Don't accuse me of such things! Who drugged you?" Ella spat.

"Luke is at the police station. It won't be long before he implicates you."

Sophia couldn't understand Ella's intense hatred for her. They had no personal grudges, and Sophia's skills shouldn't have threatened Ella's position as a top artist.

"Why do you hate me so much?" Sophia asked.

"Hate? Who would hate you? I just can't stand you! A married woman seducing other men's husbands!" Ella sneered.

Isabella interrupted, holding her phone. "Sophia, Ella sent that photo to the company group!"

Sophia frowned slightly. While she didn't mind the gossip, she was concerned about the trouble it might cause Henry.

Ella smirked. "Let's see how many dirty looks you'll get at the office, Sophia!"

"Who's Ella? Come with us."

Ella turned, confused.

"Me? What did I do?"

"You're needed for questioning."

Ella was taken aback. Sophia released her grip.

Ella's hair was disheveled, her eyes wide with confusion.

"What's going on?"

"Cooperate with us for a statement."

As Ella was led away, she shot a final glare at Sophia. "This is just the beginning, Sophia!"

Isabella closed the door behind them. "Sophia, what do we do now?"

"I don't know," Sophia replied, sitting down and handing Isabella a cup of water.