Chapter 135
Just as everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Sophia to spill the tea, a voice suddenly cut through the tense atmosphere. “Sophis, someone called out.
Sophia tumed to see Jonathan hurrying over–he must have come straight here, his forehead beaded with sweat. He stopped before her, frowned, and demanded, “Come with me.”
With an indifferent look, Sophia asked, “What do you want?”
Disregarding the curious stares from the crowd, Jonathan reached out to grab her.
Sophia sidestepped, her gaze icy.
Jonathan putted back his hand reflexively. “We need to talk,” he said.
“No,” Sophia replied flatly.
Jonathan took a deep breath. “Since your car got scratched last time, I’ll buy you a new one. Pick any model you want.”
Hearing this, Sophia’s face lit up. Grinning, she said, “Cash, please.”
Jonathan sighed in resignation. “Fine,” he muttered.
With a spring in her step, Sophia gleefully followed him out.
The onlookers were stunned. Paying for gossip was tacky, but giving gifts instead was classy. They never thought Jonathan would open up a whole new
way to play the game.
Sophia followed Jonathan out, curious to see what game he was playing. When she spotted him approaching a man in a suit, she arched an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing at her lips.
After speaking to the man, Jonathan beckoned Sophia over. “Sophia, come here,” he called.
Sophia sauntered over.
Jonathan introduced, “This is Mr. Campbell.”
Sophia said with a knowing smirk, “You must be Secretary Campbell, right?”
Jonathan froze in awkward silence. Clint frowned slightly as he studied Sophia with a scrutinizing gaze.
“Secretary Campbell,” Sophia cut straight to the chase, “how much hush money are you offering?”
This left not only Jonathan embarrassed, but Clint completely speechless as well.
Sophia rolled her eyes and scoffed, “What’s so surprising? If I know about Rose and her big shot, there’s nothing I don’t know.”
“Since that’s the case,” Clint cut to the chase. “Ms. Chandler, name your price.”
Sophia smiled and said bluntly, “A cool hundred million.”
Jonathan gasped in shock. “Sophia, you…” This was nothing short of daylight robbery.
“Shut it, Jonathan,” Sophia gave him an icy glare. “This is between me and Secretary Campbell–none of your damn business.”
Jonathan was fuming, but he was completely powerless.
1/3
napter 135
“Ms. Chandler,” Clint said with diplomatic politeness, “I’m here representing Mr. Moore with utmost sincerity to discuss this matter. I hope you with the same level of good faith.”
Sophia wasn’t buying it. “My so–called sincerity? Jonathan paid my way here that’s the only reason I even bothered to show up. But your so called good faith doesn’t even hit a hundred million. I guess Mr. Moore’s secret isn’t worth much after all.
“Anyway, that’s my price–take it or leave it. Jonathan, don’t forget to send the money. I’ve got things to do, so you two can talk it over”
As Sophia was about to leave, Clint called out to her, “Ms. Chandler, please hold on. I need to consult with Mr. Moore before I can get back to you with an answer.”
“Take your time reporting,” Sophia said with a smile.
Clint shot Jonathan a meaningful look, then turned and went to make a phone call.
Jonathan immediately caught on and turned to Sophia, saying, “Sophia, Mr. Moore is interested in working with Chandler Group. Could you maybe- “Not a chance,” Sophia cut him off sharply. “Jonathan, this is the second time you’ve sacrificed my interests for your own. That’s crossing the line. Jonathan’s face darkened. “Don’t forget you’re my daughter–part of the Chandler family,” he said through gritted teeth.
Sophia narrowed her eyes dangerously, her gaze turning razor–sharp. She stared at Jonathan and said, “Repeat what you just said in front of the Chandler forefathers. I dare you.”
Jonathan opened his mouth to speak, but when he met her piercing gaze, an inexplicable guilt crept over him.
Sophia pierced Jonathan with an inscrutable gaze. “Did you ever truly consider me part of the Chandler family?”
Jonathan felt his heart skip a beat. He stammered, “Well… of course, you’re my daughter…”
A derisive smirk played on Sophia’s face.
Jonathan’s heart suddenly lurched, as if something had plunged into an icy abyss. A bone–chilling cold swept through him, making him shiver. The ominous feeling left him deeply unsettled, as if something terrible was about to happen.
Sophia said, “Look, Jonathan, this isn’t entirely non–negotiable. Just cover the difference for me.”
Jonathan frowned and was about to speak when Clint returned from his call. “Ms. Chandler,” Clint said professionally, “Mr. Moore is willing to pay you 6 million dollars, provided you keep this matter confidential.”
Sophia scoffed, “What, is the Moore family going broke, or are they just looking down on me?”
“Ms. Chandler-”
Sophia snapped impatiently, “Get lost. Money is no object to me.” 6 million was like peanuts. She’d rather leak this scoop to the gossip forums and let everyone feast on the drama. She’d make sure the Moore family learned the consequences of messing with her.
Clint’s heart sank at the sight. He hurried to interject, Ms. Chandler, if you’re not satisfied, we’re open to further negotiation.”
Sophia sneered maliciously, “Negotiate my foot.”
“Sophia, you’ve already crossed the Turners. You can’t afford to offend the Moore family too,” Jonathan blurted anxiously.
As soon as the words left Jonathan’s mouth, Sophia slapped him hard. Her face was icy, eyes sharp and cold, with a hint of madness. “Shamelessness really runs in your blood. Who do you think you are?” she sneered, then slapped him again.
The blow left Jonathan stunned. His mind went blank, and his ears rang.
Clint instinctively took two steps back. He didn’t expect Sophia to be even more unhinged than the rumors suggested.
Chapter 135
“Sophia!” Jonathan wiped the blood from his nose, his face twisted in fury. “You’ve completely lost your dem mind to you really think you’re beyond my control?”
Sophia smirked maliciously, “And what exactly can you do to me?”
Jonathan was fuming. Getting slapped by Sophia in front of Clint was humiliating
As the tense standoff between Jonathan and Sophia escalated, Clint interjected, “Ms. Chandler, Mr. Moore says he can raise the offer to 15 million”
Sophia didn’t even blink. “Not a penny less than a hundred mil, or we’re done talking,” she said.
Her unyielding stance made it difficult for Clint to continue negotiating. Diplomatically, he said, “Mr. Moore is willing to establish a partnership with the Chandler family and, in addition, pay you 15 million dollars, Ms. Chandler
Sophia arched an eyebrow at Jonathan. “Well, Jonathan? What do you say?”
Jonathan knew she was expecting him to cover the gap. The Moore family’s cooperation was exactly what he needed. But 15 million was just way
much for him.
too
Just as Jonathan hesitated, Sophia chimed in with a mock vendor’s pitch: “Step right up, don’t miss out. 15 million–no regrets, no rip–offs, you won’t
lose out.”
