Chapter 8
“But I’ll still be in the foreign trade business. The route might shift toward the Pacific Crest, which would significantly improve transportation efficiency.”
Lilian’s eyes lit up. “So you’re going independent That’s wonderful news.
“Mrs. Lane, I’ll need your support. I hope we can continue working together the way we did
before.”
We spent the afternoon ironing out most of the details.
It turned out to be a pleasant and productive meeting,
Just as we were about to wrap up, Lilian’s phone rang.
“I’m over here!” she called out.
A graceful figure hurried toward us. “Mom!”
I froze, staring at the approaching silhouette. “Sophia?”
“Max?” Sophia stopped in her tracks, just as stunned.
Lilian was clearly puzzled. “You two know each other?”
“Mom, we were classmates in college,” Sophia explained quickly.
“Mrs. Lane, I had no idea Sophia was your daughter,” I replied with a nod.
Lilian chuckled softly. “What a small world. We should all have dinner together sometime.”
“I’d really like that, Mrs. Lane.”
She smiled, her eyes lighting up as she glanced between Sophia and me.
Night had settled as Sophia and I wandered through the backyard of her villa
She held a cup of juice, looking completely at ease.
“I never thought you’d know my mom,” she said.
She leaned against the wooden wall, the moonlight softly outlining her profile.
The moment felt as calm and familiar as those quiet days we spent on campus three years ago.
“Well, I didn’t expect you to keep such a low profile either. You’re a wealthy heiress, after all,” I teased.
“Don’t say that about me,” Sophia snapped.
Chapte
She looked away, a flicker of irritation shadowing her eyes.
“I’m nothing like Camille.”
Without realizing it, her expression had grown colder.
“By the way, you never told me last time. How did you find out about my situation?”
Sophia’s cheeks flushed slightly at the question.
“There’s been plenty of talk about you. I just did little digging, that’s all.”
“You looked me up?”
I was taken aback.
My situation was certainly easy enough to uncover with a simple search, but Camille always kept herself above it all.
She wouldn’t even bother to find out the truth.
In her world, she was meant to be admired, while everyone else was simply there to orbit.
around her.
“Thank you.
“I know this might come out of nowhere, but… I appreciate your understanding. I’m truly not the person they make me out to be.”
Sophia met my gaze. Her expression was unreadable.
“I’ve always known,” she said.
Straightening up, she asked, “So, you spoke with my mom this afternoon about a partnership, right? Are you really planning to start your own company?”
“Yes. I’ve been with Layton Group all this time. Even if it’s just because of a contract, these last three years call for some sort of reckoning.”
Sophia smiled. “Not bad. Don’t forget to count me in!”
“Count you
in?”
She glanced to the side. “Of course. Don’t you need funding to expand your shipping routes?
“Well, since financing is necessary anyway, why not let me be a part of it?
“My mom would probably be thrilled as well.”
I paused, absentmindedly stroking my chin.
“It does sound tempting… but I can’t shake the feeling that I’d just be freeloading.”
Chapter
“Freeloading? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Sophia placed her hands on her hips. “I’m investing in your company, not giving you pocket
money.
“Besides, I can pull out anytime if you don’t deliver.”
“Fair enough.”
I nodded without hesitation.
At my lowest point, maybe Sophia was the one who could change my fortune.
“Well then, here’s to a successful partnership, Max!”
Sophia smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Curious, I asked, “But you only just returned from studying in Stoneville. You’re not planning
to stay just to work in foreign trade with me, are you?”
“What was your original plan?” I pressed.
“I’m not telling you!”
