Chapter 6
The sharp click of high heels echoed in the hallway, growing louder as they approached the door.
A warmth spread through my chest.
That unmistakable rhythm belonged to the woman who raised me–Sophia, the legendary actress and renowned director.
The door swung open, and my mom appeared, her face etched with worry.
Relief flooded her features when her eyes landed on me
She opened her mouth to speak, but Nadia darted forward, cutting her off with a mix of awe and
excitement.
“Oh my gosh! You’re THE Sophia Carter! What brings you here?” she gushed, her voice dripping
fake admiration.
with
Then, turning eagerly to Ethan, she exclaimed, “Big brother! Did you invite her for me? Is she here because you arranged for me to debut?!”
Ethan smirked, throwing me a smug glance before nodding.
“Of course, Nadia. The Harrington Group has extensive connections. Whatever you want, your big brother will make it happen.”
“Unlike certain people who rely on… other methods to get ahead.”
My mom’s expression darkened.
“Other methods?” she echoed, her voice cold.
Nadia tilted her head coyly, her voice sickeningly sweet.
“Oh, Sophia, you didn’t know? Jessica–well, she made her name with some… revealing work right after graduation. Let’s just say she wasn’t exactly relying on her acting skills.”
“She wouldn’t have a career if she didn’t…. put herself out there,” Nadia added, with a sly smirk.
Grandma’s face turned an alarming shade of red, ready to explode, but my mom beat her to it. Her voice cut through the air like a whip.
Blood Ties Broken Bonds
“And who taught you to insult art like this?”
For your information, Jessica’s film used a professional body double“.
“That movie was critically acclaimed, and you think you can spread this garbage?”
Nadia flinched at the venom in her tone, momentarily speechless. She looked at my mom in
disbelief.
“Sophia… you can’t let her fool you! I’m prettier, and my acting is better. If you’re going to mentor someone, it should be me!”
She jabbed a thumb toward Ethan.
“And my brother will get me all the best opportunities! I’ll bring funding to any project I’m in!”
Sophia’s face went pale with rage, and her body swayed slightly.
I quickly stepped forward to steady her.
“Mom, don’t let them upset you,” I said softly.
“Mom?!”
The room collectively gasped, eyes widening in disbelief.
I smiled calmly.
“Let me introduce you all. This is Sophia Carter, my adoptive mother.”
Logan’s face twisted in confusion.
“That’s impossible! Back then-”
He stopped abruptly, his expression flickering with something unreadable.
Clearing his throat, he forced a smile.
“I mean, if Jessica had just mentioned this earlier, none of this mess would’ve happened.”
C
Sophia let out a derisive laugh.
“Oh? If I’d been here from the start, would that have stopped you from bullying her? Would it have stopped you from spreading lies about her upbringing during a live broadcast?”
Nadia’s eyes filled with fake tears as she stammered.
Sophia, you can’t go back on your word! Big brother told me you agreed to give me a role in Jessica’s next project! That’s what we’re talking about here!”
Her tone turned shrill, her desperation showing.
“Why should she get the lead role just because she’s your adoptive daughter? If this gets out, everyone will think she got it through connections!”
Sophia had always been known in the industry as a fiercely independent woman, with no scandals or family ties to speak of.
o one knew she had an adopted daughter, and I’d deliberately kept our connection a secret to avoid whispers of favoritism.
But Nadia’s words were nothing short of a veiled threat.
Ethan stepped in to back her up.
“Sophia, you did promise. You wouldn’t want to go back on your word, would you? Besides, the Harrington Group has invested heavily in your projects. Surely you wouldn’t forget that.”
Sophia placed a gentle hand on my head, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her lips.
“When did I say no? Nadia, you can have your role. Come to set.”
Her tone was pleasant enough, but I knew her well.
My mom didn’t make promises lightly, and when she did–especially in situations like this–it usually ended badly for the other party.
As we all moved to leave, Grandma shot Logan a glare so sharp it could’ve cut steel.
“Mark my words, Logan. One day, I’ll make sure you’re out of this house for good.”
Logan ducked his head, shoulders shrinking as he mumbled.
“Yes, ma’am,” not daring to argue.