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"Lily, I gave you money for necessities. We don’t splurge! Come home; that store isn’t for you yet."
She didn’t know about Sophia’s card, but disapproved of Lily’s sudden extravagance.
"Fine. I’m coming."
Lily, furious, bought a dress with her allowance.
Late that night, trying on her new dress, Lily saw Sophia’s new Instagram post.
Sophia wore the designer gown she’d bought, posing with diamond earrings she’d bid $100,000 for at the gala.
She looked stunning.
Beside her stood James in a tailored tuxedo, his expensive watch gleaming under the lights – unmistakably genuine.
Thanks James for the gorgeous earrings! Pricey, but I’m worth it!
Lily scrutinized the photo and caption.
She searched the gala details – confirmed.
James’s watch? Authentic.
The attendees? Elite.
The Thompsons, despite their wealth, weren’t invited.
She’d thought the Harrisons were poor, that Sophia would suffer.
Now, it seemed Sophia had suffered with the Thompsons!
How? Why was Sophia always so lucky?
Remembering Sophia’s confident shopping, Lily was consumed by jealousy.
The next morning, sleepless, Lily tearfully approached Ethan.
"Ethan… Mom’s ruby set… it’s gone."
She sobbed.
"Do you think Sophia stole it before leaving? Why else hasn’t she come back? She’s scared to face us!"
Mrs Thompson had gifted Lily the valuable set upon her arrival.
It was Lily’s most prized possession.
"She definitely took it! Lucian, come with me; we’ll get it back!"
Ethan had been waiting for Sophia.
His patience exhausted, Lily’s accusation gave him the excuse he needed.
He was eager to confront her.
"Be careful! If she won’t return it, make her pay cash! She cut ties; we don’t owe her anything!"
Lily’s jewelry wasn’t missing.
She wanted to cause trouble.
Getting cash would be a bonus.
"Wait here. Lucian and I will handle it."
Ethan called Lucian.
The brothers agreed and drove to the Harrison residence.
Arriving, they saw Sophia, James, and Chloe playing Connect Four in the garden.
"Sophia! Don’t win! Let me have two more moves, please!"
Chloe pleaded playfully.
"Fine, two moves. If you still lose, I win!"
Sophia laughed.
"James! Help me! I’m losing! Where should I put this?"
Chloe appealed to her brother.
Stepping out of the car, the Thompson brothers witnessed the scene.
Seeing Sophia’s relaxed smile reminded them of happier times playing games together.
It seemed like after Lily arrived, they’d stopped spending time with Sophia.
They only saw conflict.
They always sided with Lily, forcing Sophia to apologize.
"See? Even with two moves and James helping, you lost!"
Sophia placed the winning piece and stretched.
Looking up, she saw the Thompson brothers outside the gate.
James noticed them too.
He signaled the housekeeper to let them in.
"This… is your home?"
Lucian had been there before but dismissed the address as fake.
He hadn’t expected this level of affluence.
