Black wrought-iron gates stood open as a procession of luxury cars lined the driveway.

Victor Sullivan arrived with an entourage of bodyguards, unloading betrothal gifts into the courtyard.

Inside rosewood chests, dragon-phoenix bracelets formed glittering mounds. Gold chains shimmered under the sunlight while jade jewelry and diamond-studded watches dazzled the eyes.

Traditional wedding pastries emitted sweet aromas beside crimson dragon-phoenix candles. The finest teas and aged spirits were presented alongside free-range chickens specially selected for the occasion.

The dowry list boasted:

One $80 million mansion

Two penthouse apartments

$8,888,888 cash neatly stacked in briefcases

Sophia Laurent watched from the steps, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Memories of her humble wedding three years ago surfaced—no dowry, no ceremony, just a cold marriage certificate. The extravagance before her now tasted bitterly ironic.

"Are these arrangements satisfactory, in-law?" Victor rubbed his hands nervously, beaming at Vincent Laurent.

Vincent turned to his daughter. "Sophia?"

"No rush." Her voice remained composed.

Victor's smile froze. He glanced at Ethan Sullivan, who was gazing intently at Sophia's profile. "I defer to her wishes."

"Very well!" Victor suppressed his irritation. "I'll return another day!"

——

At the Valentine estate, Isabella Valentine shattered a teacup against the floor.

"Why does she get twice what I did?" she shrieked. "That $80 million villa should've been mine!"

Victoria Windsor observed coldly. "You failed to secure Adrian's devotion."

"That bitch Sophia ruined everything!" Isabella gnashed her teeth. "I'll make sure she loses everything!"

——

One month later, the Laurent Art Center buzzed with elite attendees.

Vincent's painting exhibition drew society's crème de la crème. Arm in arm with Sophia, he introduced: "My daughter, Sophia Laurent."

Whispers circulated until Vincent produced the paternity test.

"The Laurent heiress!"

"Top Ten Outstanding Youth!"

"Cultural relics restoration expert!"

The crowd erupted. Socialites eagerly promoted their eligible sons, transforming the exhibition into a matchmaking frenzy.

"My son graduated from Harvard!"

"My heir just took over our conglomerate!"

Flushed with embarrassment, Sophia found herself surrounded.

"That's my daughter-in-law!"

A booming voice cut through the chatter. Ethan Sullivan strode across the room and clasped Sophia's hand before everyone.

She looked up. "You're late."

Leaning down, he whispered: "Preparing your surprise."