The atmosphere in the Rivers household was suffocating as Mrs. Rivers gestured to Sophia to head to the door.
Not to welcome a guest—but to see one out.
Sophia hesitated, standing reluctantly. Her mother's demeanor had shifted dramatically following Chris Miller's tirade.
Mrs. Rivers had always been practical. While the family's historical bond with the Millers included a childhood arrangement for Sophia and Chris, she was not one to force her daughter into an unwanted match. However, Chris's accusations had shaken her judgment. How could any decent man behave the way Mike Carter was described?
Sophia shook her head and stepped forward. "There's clearly been a misunderstanding."
Chris sneered, "Misunderstanding? As the student council vice president, I'm well-informed. Mike owes our dormmate over $10,000. He's a spineless leech, but poor Kenneth Brooks is too kind to demand repayment."
Mike, standing near the door, overheard every word. It was true he owed Kenneth Brooks money, but calling Kenneth spineless? That was uncalled for. Kenneth had been one of the rare, genuine friends Mike had at school. The debt was real, but Mike had chosen not to repay it immediately because he noticed Kenneth seemed to be going through personal difficulties.
Sophia's voice cut through Mike's thoughts. "How much does he owe? I'll pay it back right now."
Chris's jaw dropped. "You? Paying for him? He's a man, Sophia! What kind of man needs his girlfriend to bail him out? Can't you see what kind of loser he is?"
Sophia's mother, visibly unsettled, spoke up. "Chris has raised some valid points. Let's get to the bottom of this."
Turning to Mike, Mrs. Rivers asked, "Is it true? Do you owe someone that much money?"
Mike opened his mouth, "Yes, but—"
Mrs. Rivers cut him off, shaking her head. "Mike, please leave."
Chris smiled smugly, sensing victory. "You heard her. Get lost, Mike."
Sophia sprang to her feet, stepping between Mike and Chris. "Chris, this is my home, not yours! If someone has to leave, it's you!"
Chris's composure broke. "Sophia, can't you see I'm doing this for your sake? Look at him! He's nothing compared to me!"
Sophia's patience snapped. Pointing to the door, she shouted, "Chris, get out! I don't ever want to see you again."
Her words were like a slap to Chris's pride. She continued, her voice trembling with fury, "You've been following me around like a shadow since we were kids. I've told you countless times I don't like you. You're not my friend, and you never will be. And for your information, Mike is my boyfriend. No matter what you say, he's ten times the man you'll ever be!"
Sophia grabbed Mike's hand and pulled him toward the door, intending to leave.
Suddenly, a sharp slap echoed through the room.
Sophia froze. Slowly, she turned to face her mother, disbelief and betrayal etched across her face.
Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes. "You hit me," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Mrs. Rivers' voice was sharp. "How dare you speak to Chris like that? He's our guest, and he's only trying to protect you! What has gotten into you?"
Sophia bit her lip, trying to suppress her tears. Chris, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward.
"Mrs. Rivers, it's not Sophia's fault. College admissions have become so lax these days, allowing all sorts of riffraff. But don't worry, I'll make sure no lowlife ever gets close to Sophia again."
Mrs. Rivers nodded, her gaze shifting to Mike with growing disdain. Her thoughts lingered on Mike's new clothes. They were from Sophia's favorite brand, easily worth over $10,000. The boy had no money, yet he'd manipulated her daughter into buying him an expensive outfit.
Chris turned to Sophia. "Go upstairs, Sophia. I promise, by tomorrow, I'll show you who Mike really is."
Sophia wiped her tears but didn't move. She knew Chris's words stemmed from spite after last night's humiliation.
"Mike, get out," Chris ordered. "You can't even afford a cab. Here's some cash. Take it and leave before you embarrass yourself further."
Mike remained rooted. He could tolerate being insulted, but he couldn't forgive how Chris had made Sophia cry.
Just as Chris moved toward the door to call security, the sound of an approaching car interrupted him. Moments later, the sound of high heels clicking against the floor filled the room.
A confident voice rang out. "He's not going anywhere."
Everyone turned to see Veronica Rivers striding into the room.
Chris was momentarily stunned. He'd heard of Sophia's older sister but had never met her. Veronica was breathtaking, her beauty a perfect blend of grace and allure. Her radiant complexion glowed with a natural elegance, and her piercing eyes seemed to see right through people, exuding both intelligence and intensity. Her presence commanded attention effortlessly, while her perfectly styled hair and poised demeanor spoke of a woman who knew her worth. She was the kind of beauty that didn't just attract glances but held them, leaving everyone in her vicinity awestruck.
Mrs. Rivers looked surprised. "Veronica, I thought you had to work late tonight."
Veronica didn't answer. Her sharp gaze swept across the room, landing on her mother. "Mom, Mike isn't leaving. In fact, you owe him an apology."