Signed, Sealed, Scandalous

Chapter 7

After stepping out of the car, the assistant led Sophia Sterling through the gates of Rosewood Manor, stopping in front of the grandest, most luxurious villa on the property.

"Ma'am," he said with a respectful nod, "this is the first property Mr. Pierce picked out for you. The area is quiet, the scenery's beautiful… we think it'll be a perfect fit."

With just one look, Sophia froze.

It was exactly like the home she used to dream about as a child. The architecture, the garden layout, even the color of the shutters, it was all there. Her heart warmed immediately.

She was just about to confirm the purchase when a familiar voice floated over from behind the hedge.

"Ethan, Liam, Noah, this place is way too big. Isn't it a bit much to buy it for me?" Lily Wilson's soft tone carried an air of faux modesty.

"Not at all," one of them answered warmly. "You and Aunt Jin deserve a real home. And it's close to ours, makes it easy to visit."

"Money's no issue when it comes to you."

"Lily, just say yes. That shabby little rental you're in now, it's unbearable. Do you want us losing sleep over it?"

Lily lowered her head with a shy smile, eyes glistening. "It's my fault. If I hadn't upset the young miss, she wouldn't have tattled to Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley. My mom and I wouldn't have been forced to keep moving, and you wouldn't be spending all this money on me…"

At the sound of Sophia's name, Liam's expression darkened. His signature charming eyes narrowed coldly. "Don't worry. I'll make things right. You won't suffer for nothing."

They continued walking, and then stopped short when they saw Sophia standing there.

Noah's brows drew together in an instant. "What are you doing here?"

Sophia met his gaze coolly. "I'm here to pick out a wedding home."

The brothers froze, exchanging quick glances. Their chests tightened, but when they saw the man beside her, their tension eased.

Another one of her acts, they thought. Probably some wannabe actor she hired to play the part.

This time, instead of getting mad, they just smirked.

"Alright then," Ethan said casually. "Let's see you actually buy it."

Unbothered, Sophia turned to the assistant and nodded. "I'll take it."

The assistant swiftly swiped a black card, then added politely, "Ma'am, there are a few more options we'd like you to see. This one's a bit too close to your former family's estate. Mr. Pierce thought it might be… emotionally inconvenient."

Noah's face twisted. "Watch your mouth."

He shot a glare at Sophia. "What is this? Another paid lackey? How much did she give you? I'll double it, just tell the truth."

But the assistant remained perfectly calm. "I'm not on her payroll. I work for Mr. Pierce."

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly. Pierce… The name rang a faint bell.

Sophia had no interest in sticking around. She turned to leave, but Ethan caught her wrist.

"This place costs over a billion," he said sharply. "Still playing games? Don't push it."

Sophia yanked her hand free without hesitation, her voice cold. "Believe whatever you want. You'll find out at the wedding."

Then she climbed into the car and left with the assistant.

They toured several more properties that day and ended up purchasing multiple homes. By the time they returned, the sky was dusky and the house lights were glowing softly.

That's when Sophia spotted an envelope on the table, an auction invitation with a thick catalog tucked inside.

She flipped through it idly, uninterested, until she saw the final page.

Her parents' belongings were listed.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Fingers trembling, she grabbed the invitation, changed into a formal gown, and rushed to the venue.

But the moment she stepped into the auction hall, she froze.

Ethan. Liam. Noah.

And right in the middle of them, Lily, glowing with happiness, soaking up their attention like a queen holding court.

"Lily, just bid on whatever catches your eye," Liam said, his voice gentle.

"We'll handle the rest," Ethan added. "Don't hold back."

"Whatever makes you happy," Noah chimed in with a warm grin.

Sophia looked away, forcing herself to focus on the auction list in her hands.

She wasn't here for them.

She was here to reclaim what was hers.