“The agreement is very straightforward,” he said. “You waive any claim to alimony, property, or future compensation. In return, the Harrington family agrees not to release certain evidence regarding your… misconduct.”
Sophia let the pen drop onto the table.
The small click sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet room.
“Misconduct?” she repeated, her voice calm but rough. “I never cheated. Not once.”
Richard Harrington, Daniel’s father and the head of the family empire, sighed impatiently.
“Oh, please,” he muttered. “Daniel has already explained everything. We have photographs. If you refuse to sign and disappear quietly, we’ll make sure every newspaper in the city knows what kind of woman you are.”
Sophia turned slowly toward Daniel.
One last chance.
“Look at me,” she said softly. “Tell me yourself. Tell me it’s true.”
Daniel finally turned around.
His expression was cold.
“Just sign the papers, Sophie,” he said flatly. “It’s better for everyone. Go back to your father. Back to that small auto repair shop. That’s where you belong—grease stains, loud engines, ordinary people. Our world was never meant for you.”
Something inside Sophia broke.
Not her heart.
Something deeper.