She wasn’t that close to Katelyn, but she knew Katelyn was a decent person. Ashlyn had long admired her skills and had seen many of her incredible designs. Katelyn was indeed an opponent worthy of admiration.

Ashlyn had come to the competition for two reasons: to represent the Marshall Group and to compete against Katelyn. That mix of rivalry and respect wouldn’t let her do anything that might harm Katelyn.

Sophia’s face remained cold.

“That’s fine. But if you refuse, you won’t get the antidote this month.”

“You!” Ashlyn’s anger surged, her hands balling into fists.

So, all of this—the poison—had been to force her to go after Katelyn?

Sophia paid no attention to Ashlyn’s inner conflict, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“I’ve told you what will happen. Now it’s up to you.”

Ashlyn remained quiet, her thoughts swirling. Her conscience screamed that she couldn’t hurt Katelyn. Yes, Katelyn had always been suspicious, always digging around for the truth about her, but she had never tried to harm Katelyn.

Yet, if Ashlyn didn’t obey, her life would be in Sophia’s hands, held hostage by that poison. She was trapped between two terrible choices.

Sophia noticed Ashlyn’s silence, and her smile grew more mocking.

Kindness? In the face of real stakes, kindness meant nothing.

Sophia rose slowly, her movements deliberate. She placed a hand on Ashlyn’s shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. Her voice was soft but carried a cold edge.

“Take your time. I’m only interested in the result.” This was all just a game to her, and it was becoming more entertaining by the minute.

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In that moment, Ashlyn felt a heavy weight settle on her shoulders, so crushing it seemed like her whole world was on the verge of collapsing. Her mind raced, filled with conflicting thoughts and emotions.

With memories of her moments with Katelyn, each one pulling her deeper into silence, Ashlyn felt herself drowning in a sea of emotions.

Sophia, seeing Ashlyn’s struggle, seemed pleased. She turned and slipped her mask back on, becoming the ordinary waitress once again. Just as she reached the door to leave, it burst open with a sudden, violent kick, crashing against the wall.

Both Ashlyn and Sophia shifted their attention towards the door. Alfy stood there, her expression one of cold determination. She pointed at Sophia and said, “Don’t even think about leaving!”

The instant Sophia’s eyes met Alfy’s, they filled with a dark intensity. Without uttering another word, Sophia swung the window open and swiftly climbed through.

Alfy dashed after Sophia, but Sophia’s speed outmatched hers, and she soon lost sight of her. Minutes later, Sophia had vanished without a trace.

Breathless, Alfy returned to find Ashlyn seated, appearing stunned. With concern, she asked, “Did she harm you at all? I felt something was off as soon as you walked in.”

Her suspicions had been right. The waitress had indeed been acting oddly. Yet, Alfy had never actually seen Sophia’s face throughout the encounter and hadn’t recognized the waitress as Sophia.

Ashlyn slowly raised her head, her complexion pale, and reassured Alfy, shaking her head.

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