After Sophia Reed and Nathan Torres finalized the contract, Sophia rubbed her hands awkwardly.

“Sorry you had to see that mess today.”

Nathan, being an outsider, had unintentionally witnessed far too much of her personal drama with her ex-husband. The embarrassment still lingered.

But Nathan didn’t seem the least bit interested in her gossip. He simply draped his suit jacket over his arm and said calmly,

“I’ll drive you home. Your ex-husband might still be outside, and I’d rather make sure you get back safely.”

Sophia sighed. “God, today was such a disaster.”

When Nathan folded his chair and started to leave, Sophia followed behind, head down. Just as she raised the contract in her hand, Nathan stopped suddenly—and she crashed right into him.

“Ow!”

She winced, clutching her forehead, glancing around to see what she’d hit—but there was nothing there.

“Why’d you stop so suddenly? That’s gonna leave a bruise for days.”

Nathan turned back; Sophia was still rubbing her forehead, where a red bump had already appeared.

He stayed cool as ever. “Wait in the car. I forgot something inside.”

He returned to the restaurant, while Sophia muttered under her breath and slipped into his car. It was immaculate—just like the man himself.

She glanced around, studying the neat interior. “Of course his car’s cold and lifeless too. No wonder he doesn’t have a girlfriend,” she mumbled.

Before she could snoop any further, Nathan came back. Sophia froze, instantly transforming from snarky commentator to obedient passenger, buckling her seatbelt like a chastised schoolgirl.

“Why aren’t you starting the car? Did you forget something else?”

Ten minutes passed. Nathan still didn’t drive off. The silence inside was suffocating, and Sophia could practically hear her own heartbeat echoing.

Then her phone buzzed sharply, shattering the tension.

She expected it to be from her brother, but the nickname flashing on the screen made her stomach twist. It was her.

The message dripped with malice:

“Pathetic. You think you can play the victim when you’re just the mistress who got caught? Didn’t that slap earlier hurt enough?”

Sophia muttered curses under her breath. Nathan glanced over briefly, then started the car without a word.

When they reached the Reed Estate, Sophia bolted from the car clutching her folder, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Nathan watched her sprint off. “What, is there a man-eating lion waiting inside?”

No lion—but plenty of cunning foxes. Nathan was no ordinary man; she’d learned that much today.

Inside, Sophia tossed the folder and her phone onto the couch. “I’ve already signed everything. Nathan said he’ll come by to see Dad later—he’s probably parking now. I’m heading upstairs.”

Without waiting for a reply, she hurried up the staircase, phone in hand, calling someone she hadn’t spoken to in years.

“Hey, my little princess! I thought you’d forgotten about me—it’s been ages.”

The familiar warmth in his voice calmed her nerves, though she stayed cautious. “I ran into Vanessa Cole at the restaurant today. Things got ugly, but it’s over. Now she’s texting me threats—calling me shameless, saying she’ll make me pay. Can you find out what’s going on?”

There was no way Sophia had sent anyone after Vanessa; she’d left the restaurant immediately after the deal. It could only be investigated by her trusted friend.

A while later, Ethan Reed showed up with a basket of fruit.

“Dad wants you to start getting familiar with the company. Most of the shares will be under your name, so he’s pushing hard. Don’t take it personally—he just wants you prepared.”

Inside her room, Sophia was nibbling an apple, her brow furrowed. Ethan looked at her worriedly but still reminded her, “Don’t overwork yourself.”

“I know Dad means well,” she said softly. “But honestly, shouldn’t you be the one running the family business?”

Ethan didn’t answer—he had his own plans. He handed her a glass of milk. “I know you were up late last night. Drink this and get some rest. Oh, and Dad wants Nathan to stay for dinner tonight—so be ready.”

They both knew what that meant. Mr. Reed clearly wanted Sophia and Nathan to grow closer—maybe even spark something. Anything to make her forget Alexander Kane, that worthless man.

Sophia groaned inwardly. Marry Nathan? That cunning fox? He’d peel my skin before kissing me.

“I know, Ethan. You can go.”

The next day, Sophia finally had a rare quiet morning. She was lounging in the sun-drenched garden when her phone rang, shattering the peace.

“You’ve been quiet forever—cat got your tongue?” she snapped.

The caller hesitated, stammering nervously, “Wait—Vanessa Cole wants to talk to you.”

Sophia frowned, rubbing her temples. “Vanessa? What does she want now? If she’s got a grudge, she can come to my house and say it to my face. No need to stalk me through you.”

“You forgot? Before your divorce, she fell sick—she’s been trying to contact the Ghost Doctor for treatment. That’s… you. Naturally, she reached out to me.”

Sophia smirked. “Oh, that’s interesting.”

As ideas for mischief danced in her head, the voice on the phone hurried her. “She’s ready to pay up front. Do you want the job or not? If you don’t, I’ll just decline her offer.”

“Take it. Tell her to meet me at Uptown Café.”

She hung up, stroked the cat sleeping in her lap, then stood. “Time to handle some business.”

But just as she grabbed her coat, Ethan appeared at the garden gate.

“Dad wants you to attend a gala tonight—with Nathan Torres. Maybe pick out a new dress while you’re out. You’ve been gone for years, Sophia—you deserve some new clothes.”

Sophia stopped mid-stride. “Nathan again? And a gala? Why am I suddenly his plus-one?”

Ethan chuckled. “Can’t tell you that. Just don’t forget the dress.”

He left her to stew in frustration. Sophia glared at his retreating back, then down at her cat. “You live the good life, huh? I’ve got work to do.”

She tossed on her coat and left for the café.

A few blocks away, Vanessa Cole arrived in a chauffeur-driven car, sunglasses and all, dressed like she was heading for a fashion shoot.

“Remember,” she told the driver, “the Ghost Doctor doesn’t like chatter. Let me do the talking.”

The chauffeur just sighed, pocketing the keys before following her inside.

Vanessa scanned the café, then froze.

“Well, well. Sophia Reed. Didn’t your sugar daddy have you on a leash? What are you doing here alone?”

Sophia stirred her coffee lazily. “You really don’t learn, do you? Keep running that mouth, and it’s your face that’ll pay for it.”

Vanessa’s smile turned sharp. She lunged to grab the cup and throw it—but Sophia flicked it aside before she could.

“You—!”

“What, me? I reserved this table, ordered this coffee. You trying to steal from me now? Has your family gone so broke you’ve resorted to scavenging leftovers?”

The entire café went silent. Every head turned toward Vanessa.

“She’s dressed to impress but can’t afford her own drink,” someone whispered. “Guess even the rich can go broke.”

Vanessa’s cheeks flushed crimson. She yanked her sunglasses back on, hissing, “You only have money because your man pays for everything. I’m not here to fight—I’m here to meet someone important. You’re not worth my time.”

The chauffeur frowned. “Strange. The Ghost Doctor should be here by now… but everyone here’s on a date. Are we early?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Vanessa said stiffly. “We’ll wait. It looks better that way.”

From her corner, Sophia smirked. Watching Vanessa make a fool of herself was almost too easy. She picked up her coffee and began walking toward them, ready to play her next move.

Sophia Reed swirled the coffee in her cup, glancing at Vanessa Cole, who was sitting with the Kane family’s butler. A teasing smile curved her lips.

“Vanessa, you really don’t have much taste, do you? You’re actually out on a date with Alexander Kane’s butler?”

Vanessa, humiliated, slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet.

“What the hell are you talking about? I’m here with the butler to meet someone, not that it’s any of your business. Stop standing here making a scene. If you keep running your mouth, I’ll have you thrown out.”

The outburst drew curious stares from around the Uptown Café. Customers were now glancing their way, whispering.

Sophia raised a brow. She hadn’t come here to provoke anyone today, but seeing as the café was part of the Reed family’s chain, Vanessa had no right to kick her out.

So Sophia calmly took a seat, coffee in hand. “Why so nervous? The more worked up you get, the more I think I’m right.”

She took another slow sip, savoring it.

“You said you’re here to meet someone. Care to tell me who?”

“You have no right to know. Besides, don’t you dare sit there—you’re in Ghost Doctor’s spot. You’re not even worth a single finger of his. Get up.”

Sophia almost laughed out loud. The Ghost Doctor you’re waiting for is sitting right in front of you, and you can’t even tell.

But she didn’t bother explaining. After a few sarcastic remarks, she returned to her seat, enjoying her drink in peace.

The butler gave Vanessa a stern look. “Why are you bickering with her? We’re here on business. If we fail to meet the Ghost Doctor because of your temper, it’ll be a real problem back home.”

Vanessa shut her mouth, but impatience crept in as time dragged on. “Is something holding the Ghost Doctor up? We’ve been waiting for half an hour already. Why isn’t he here yet? Call him.”

Sophia twirled her phone between her fingers, waiting for that call.

A moment later, the butler pulled out his phone and dialed. “Dr. Ghost, may I ask when you’ll be arriving at the café? My lady and I have been waiting quite a while. Are you on your way?”

Sophia crossed one leg over the other, examining her nails with detached amusement before responding.

“I’ve been here for quite some time already. You just didn’t recognize me—and tried to provoke me instead. Tell me, why should I help you now?”

The butler froze. What? They had followed the instructions exactly. He scanned the café, realizing the only person they had argued with was… Sophia.

His face went pale. “Dr. Ghost… may I ask what you’re wearing today?”

“Pink. Figure it out yet?”

It hit him like a thunderbolt.

Vanessa, still oblivious, asked anxiously, “Where is the Ghost Doctor now? The patient is waiting! If we can’t find him, it’ll be a disaster!”

The butler sighed and pointed toward Sophia, who was lazily inspecting her manicure. “There. The Ghost Doctor is right there. We just quarreled with her. Tell me, why would she treat us after that?”

Vanessa stared in disbelief. “You’re saying Sophia is the Ghost Doctor? That’s impossible! She’s a useless nobody!”

Sophia didn’t bother replying. She simply said into the phone, “Our appointment’s long past, and after that little argument, there’s no reason to meet anymore.” Then she hung up, left a tip on the table, and walked out.

Vanessa sank into despair. The Ghost Doctor is Sophia? If she’d known, she would never have come. But now it was too late—Sophia was the only one who could help, and she’d just walked away.

The butler looked equally frustrated. How could we have lived under the same roof and not known she had this identity?

“This is serious,” he muttered. “We’d better go back. I need to report this to Mr. Kane.”

Meanwhile, Sophia sat in her car outside, watching through the window as Vanessa and the butler argued, their faces twisted with humiliation. That sight alone made her trip worthwhile.

Once they left, she put on her sunglasses, started her Alfa Romeo, and drove off—smiling, utterly satisfied.