Chapter 169

A clear, sharp voice from a middle-aged woman rang out behind her, laced with condescension and a strange familiarity. Sophie quickly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand, took a deep breath, and turned around—only to be met with the piercing gaze of Marilyn Gray, standing with arms crossed in front of a sleek black Mercedes. Sophie froze for a second, unsure if Marilyn had come here on purpose or just happened to see her after the press conference. Even though she had known Henry Smith for years and had once been engaged to him for over two months, she’d barely seen his mother a handful of times—and there were always others around. Except that one time when the elder Mr. Smith had forced the engagement, and Marilyn threw out a few thinly veiled threats. Ever since then, she had acted like Sophie didn’t even exist. To Marilyn, Sophie wasn’t worth the trouble—more like dust under her shoes than an actual person. Their relationship wasn’t exactly hostile