Sophia quickly tried to explain, "Orion, listen to me. Deep down, I've always loved you."

"That has nothing to do with me."

Orion's voice was sharp. "Unfortunately, no matter who you marry, the Sinclair Group is destined to collapse. Unless you agree to Lemira's condition, I won't stop until your family is completely ruined."

Sophia's lips trembled. How was this any different from driving them to absolute ruin?

Lemira glanced up at Orion, her heart complicated. He truly understood her; whatever she said, he flawlessly backed her up.

Lemira turned her attention to Mrs. Amelia. "Well? It's a fair trade, isn't it? Sacrifice yourself to secure your daughter's luxurious lifestyle. After all, you did everything by yourself back then. It has nothing to do with the next generation. As long as you confess, this all ends."

Mrs. Amelia gritted her teeth in fury. "Lemira, you're the most vicious one here! Don't you dare try to drive a wedge between my daughters and me."

Yet, Sophia didn't move, nor did she reject the idea.

Mrs. Amelia stared at Sophia. "Sophia, you can't possibly be considering this bitch's condition, right? She stole your man and wants to destroy everything we have. Don't fall for it!"

But Susanna piped up, "Mom, it's true that you did those things alone. We can't cover it up anyway. If you just turn yourself in, at least the Sinclair Group can be saved."

Mrs. Amelia raised her hand and slapped Susanna hard. "What did you say? Say that again! Did you listen to your father and decide to turn on me too?"

"But Dad is right. You dragged the Sinclair family down."

Susanna refused to live in poverty. She had always despised poor people the most.

If she became poor, life would be worse than death. She would be ridiculed by her former friends and classmates. Susanna couldn't bear the thought of that reality; it terrified her more than dying.

Mrs. Amelia shoved Susanna aside and grabbed Sophia's hands. "Sweetheart, I've treated you so well since you were a little girl. I raised you like a princess. You wouldn't do this to me, right?"

Sophia's eyelashes fluttered, but she remained silent.

Truthfully, she was lost. What was she supposed to do?

Faced with the Everhart family's power, the Sinclairs were nothing The Everharts had already rejected Mre Amelia's kidney donation, making it clear they wouldn't agree to their demands.

If she agreed to Lemira's condition, the family still had a chance.

If she didn't, her mother wouldn't be able to escape legal justice anyway, and the Sinclair Group would be dragged down with her.

Realizing she was wavering, Sophia looked at Lemira. "What a vicious choice to force on us."

"It's nothing compared to what I went through."

Lemira looked at Sophia

indifferently. "I'll give you one day to think it over. Once the time is up, the offer is gone. I hope you're smart

enough to know what the best Choice is

With that, Lemira turned, got into her car, and drove off.

Sophia looked at Orion. "Are you really going to side with Lemira?"

Orion simply rolled up the window, his gaze freezing, and didn't say a single word.

Sophia chased after the car for a few steps before stopping. She wrapped her arms around herself and burst into tears.

Mrs. Amelia ran over. "Sweetheart, don't be afraid. We still have hope."

"Mom, tell me, where is the hope?"

Sophia looked at her mother through red, tear-filled eyes. "Mom, I really tried my best."

"Haven't you been seeing a lot of men lately? They're all your devoted admirers. Just pick one who can help us. The Sinclair Group won't go bankrupt, trust me."

Sophia gave a tragic laugh. "But the moment their parents heard about our family's situation, they

immediately forbade us from being.. together, let alone agreeing to my marriage terms."

Sophia had always been so proud, but lately, for the sake of the family and her mother's legal troubles, she had let her dignity be trampled into the dirt.

And even then, it was useless.

Her life was completely ruined. Ruined by Lemira.