Chapter 788



But the peaceful moment was shattered by the harsh words of an intruder. “They’re willing to sponsor you because they think it’s like taking in a stray. A little money, and they pat themselves on the back, calling themselves your heroes. They just did a small favor. I mean, I could offer you ten million right now if you slap Sophie and kneel before me.”

The air in the room froze as the laughter died down instantly.

The sight of an adult and child slowly approaching brought a cold silence to everyone’s face.

Rola was the one spouting the venomous words. Beside her stood Freya, a face Kallie recognized. The two, standing side by side, unmistakably looked like sisters.

Elva’s cheeks flushed with anger at the cruel remarks. Her hands clenched into fists, but she held back any words of protest. It wasn’t out of fear; she simply couldn’t risk antagonizing such influential figures. Furthermore, she owed much to the kindness of the Cooper family and couldn’t repay them with trouble.

“Why so quiet? You were all smiles talking with them a moment ago. Lost your voice now that I’m here? But of course, they’re your sponsors now. You have to keep them happy. Just a poor girl trying to fit in, aren’t you? I could never stoop to such groveling.” Rola’s laughter dripped with arrogance.

Freya stood silently beside her, showing no reaction.

It was hard to imagine someone so young as Rola saying such harsh words, leaving passersby in shock. Tears welled up in Elva’s eyes as she stammered, “Miss Hopkins, I’m sorry. Please, don’t drag others into this.”

Rola was the type who never knew when to stop pushing boundaries. Elva’s cautious nature had unexpectedly fed Rola’s arrogance.

“That’s your idea of an apology? Do it right. Kneel and bow to me!” Rola taunted with a sneer.

The backstage area was teeming with people: staff buzzing around, judges enjoying a brief respite, and a few reporters scouting for stories.

The notion of Elva kneeling before Rola was fraught with risk. Rumors would surely swirl, and Rola’s actions were clearly designed to publicly shame Elva.

Still smarting from her recent defeat in the contest against Sophie, Rola couldn’t do anything. After all, the Nixon family, the largest investor in the competition, was not to be crossed. Her simmering rage found an outlet in Elva.

Just as Elva was on the brink of submitting, her eyes brimming with tears, Sophie moved protectively in front of her. “Rola, you’re angry at me. Why drag others into this mess? Challenge me instead. Shall I offer the apology you’re after?”

Sophie’s tone was calm, but her eyes were ice-cold. Her powerful presence was undoubtedly a blend of her parents’ influence.

Rola, usually so arrogant, shifted uneasily under Sophie’s intense gaze. She clenched her teeth, struggling to maintain her composure. “Alright, then kneel and bow until I say it’s enough,” she commanded, masking her irritation.

“Alright.” Sophie agreed, her voice steady. There was a subtle change in her eyes as she adjusted her tone.

Sophie remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “You want me to kneel? I doubt you’d even dare accept it. I still recall you shaking in your boots, begging my mother and me not to disqualify you from the competition. What, not scared now?”

Rola’s face paled as she recalled that incident, fear and anger crashing over her. Her small fists clenched tightly as she turned to Freya for help.

.

.

.