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In the past, my heart would've ached. Now, my expression didn't change.
"Don't flatter yourself."
"I'm here on business."
I replied coldly.
If I'd focused on building my own empire instead of propping up the Greenes, I'd already be this city's business titan.
"I can help you!"
Sophia grew excited. "Together, we'd be unstoppable."
She reached for my arm.
I shook her off. "Did you forget? We're broken up."
"I'm sorry, Liam. That night, I was drunk. I didn't mean any of it."
Tears welled in Sophia's eyes. "I've only ever loved you."
"Jacob's just a lowly butler."
"I'll fire him. He won't come between us."
If she'd said this before, I'd have been overjoyed.
Now, it just felt hollow.
"Would you say any of this if you didn't know who I really am? Would you even give me the time of day?"
I narrowed my eyes.
Sophia hesitated, then defended herself. "I'm just stubborn, and I speak without thinking."
"You could've told me your real identity sooner."
Some things never change.
Even now, Sophia blamed me instinctively, never reflecting on herself.
I fired back, "You said you hated pressure. That if I were some big shot, you'd be miserable every day."
"So I kept it secret."
"I supported you, built up your family, hoping one day you'd feel secure. And what did I get?"
Regret and guilt washed over Sophia.
Back when her family was nearly bankrupt, she felt helpless and said those words.
But as the Greenes rose, her confidence grew, and she looked down on me.
Even though I never changed, she became unreasonable, constantly picking fights.
"Liam!"
A pleasant female voice called out. I looked up—it was my childhood friend, Isabella "Bella" Taylor.
We hadn't met in over a decade. Bella wasn't the little girl who used to follow me everywhere anymore.
Back then, we'd catch birds, shrimp, get dirty together.
Now she was elegant, fair-skinned, with long legs—radiating charm.
Heads turned inside and outside the café.
Sophia saw Bella too, instantly feeling inferior, like she paled in comparison.
Her mind raced.
Who is this woman? Why is she looking for Liam?
Is she Liam's new flame?
The thoughts made Sophia tremble with anxiety.
"Bella."
"Let's talk somewhere else. There's a pesky fly here."
I walked toward Bella, wanting to avoid Sophia.
But Sophia wouldn't let go. She dropped to her knees and hugged my leg.
"Liam, don't go. Give me another chance. Let's talk properly."
Tears streamed down her face.
"Get lost."
I kicked her away. "You think you deserve a chance? You know what you did."
"If you bother me again, I'll expose every dirty secret."
Then I left with Bella.
Behind us, Sophia's broken sobs echoed.
