Ashlyn’s heart pounded in her chest, panic rising. What was Sophia planning?

Glaring at her, Ashlyn said coldly, “You’re Sophia, aren’t you? Don’t think you can hurt me and get away with it. The Marshall family will make sure you’re wiped off the map if you try.” She wasn’t just anyone. She was the heir to the Marshall Group, and that meant something.

For a moment, surprise flickered in Sophia’s eyes. Ashlyn knew her name. But that didn’t matter. It wouldn’t change what was about to happen.

Sophia’s smirk returned.

“And if you’re gone, who’s left to tell them who you were? Do you really think I can’t take your place?”

Those words hit Ashlyn, freezing her. Fear crept through her chest. She knew this was her weak point. If Sophia really wanted to steal her identity as the heiress of the Marshall family, there was nothing Ashlyn could do to stop her.

Sophia noticed the fear in Ashlyn’s eyes and sat back down slowly.

“Don’t worry,” she said.

“I don’t care about your identity.” Having a legal identity didn’t excite her.

Ashlyn slowly pushed herself to her feet, feeling unsteady.

Sophia calmly poured a glass of water and set it in front of Ashlyn.

“That pill,” she said, “was a neurotoxin. If you behave, I’ll give you the antidote once a month.”

Sophia was speaking of poison, but she remained as calm as if they were talking about the weather.

Ashlyn’s stomach sank. Still, she had to ask, “What if I don’t take it?” Sophia’s grin turned dark.

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“Your body will start rotting from the inside, and you’ll die.”

Ashlyn’s body shook uncontrollably, fear sinking deep into her bones. How could she be so heartless? How could anyone be that cruel?

Sophia didn’t seem bothered by the fear in Ashlyn’s eyes. She gave a slight smile.

“The jewelry competition is tomorrow. I need you to take care of something for me.”

From the moment Sophia had shown up, Ashlyn knew things wouldn’t stay simple. Sophia had been laying the groundwork for this. All of it had led to this moment.

Ashlyn kept quiet, her heart pounding as she braced for Sophia’s next move.

“Ruin Katelyn’s design,” Sophia said, her tone turning sharp.

“I want her embarrassed in front of everyone.” A cold, dangerous light flashed in Sophia’s eyes.

Lately, Vincent had assigned extra protection around Katelyn, making it hard for her to strike. If she couldn’t get rid of Katelyn immediately, she could at least make Katelyn suffer.

Ashlyn’s expression hardened as she immediately refused.

“No. I won’t do it.”

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