I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 190

Chapter 190

Sophie’s brows knitted slightly. “Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

Marcus had declared online that he would take responsibility, yet in reality, he hadn’t made any actual move.

Their bond was growing closer, and after everything they’d dredged up tonight from the past, Sophie thought this was the perfect moment to clear the air. But with her hand already on the door handle, he still hadn’t said a word.

Her patience snapped.

“What exactly am I supposed to say?” Marcus’s gaze was calm, his tone steady Goodnight?”

She nearly exploded at his maddening composure.

“Thank you so much for your goodnight!”

Slamming the door behind her, she marched into the hotel without another glance.

Marcus’s lips curved in a faint, knowing smile. He looked up at Chris in the front seat.

“You can begin the arrangements I mentioned.”

Chris’s eyes lit up. “Yes, sir. Consider it done!”

Back in her hotel room, Sophie’s phone rang–it was her mother. She braced herself, inhaled deeply, then picked up.

Sniffles came through the line. Sophie quickly soothed her.

“Mom, don’t cry. If you cry too much, your eyes will swell, and they’ll hurt tomorrow. I didn’t do all this so you’d shed tears–I did it so you’d be proud

of me.”

Mrs. Chandler’s voice trembled. “I never imagined my daughter could be so accomplished. I even fought over a Liora piece at an auction once. I lost, of course–those society ladies outbid me every time.”

“If I’d known the designs were yours, I wouldn’t have wasted my time competing with them.”

Sophie’s tone softened. “I’ll make you some exclusive pieces. Then you can wear them and show off properly.”

Her mother choked up again. “You must have endured so much to reach this point. For years, everyone thought you were wasting your talent. Even your father and I, though we never said it aloud, pitied you in our hearts.”

“The gossip, the judgment…you carried so much alone. Tonight, it all feels redemed. No one can ever say you’re worthless again. From now on, when those women want your jewelry, they’ll have to come to me first!”

Sophie’s eyes stung. The burden hadn’t been hers alone–her family had carril the shame, too.

“Mom, it’s all in the past, From now on, you’ll be the gatekeeper. Anyone who wants my designs will have to go through you first.”

Her mother chuckled through her tears, then passed the phone to her father.

“Sophie,” Mr. Chandler said, voice serious, “there’s something I want to discus with you.”

“Go ahead, Dad.”

“Everyone in Riverland now knows who you are. They understand the weight of the Liora name. Business partners, old acquaintances, even our relatives–they all want to host a celebration banquet in your honor. What do ou think?”

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I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex d Ctrl+C’d His Uncle

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Chapter 190

“If you don’t feel it’s right, I’ll turn them down immediately.”

“Dad, you can’t reject a smile,” Sophie answered calmly. Her meaning was clear.

Her father sighed. “You must realize, this isn’t just about honoring Liora. These people want access to Marcus. They’re using this banquet to cozy up to him. That’s the truth.”

“I know.”

She paused before continuing. “When Marcus publicly claimed the baby online, they were watching. When he liked comments and let the rumors spread without suppression, they were watching. Then he came all the way overseas to find me. Businessmen aren’t fools–they’ve read his intent.”

Mr. Chandler lowered his voice. “You were once engaged to Liam. He’s Marcus’s nephew. Who knows how that history will affect things? Marcus is ruthless when crossed. If we knowingly play along with these people’s schemes, it could look like we’re exploiting him. If things don’t work out between you, the same people fawning now will turn on you later.”

Sophie’s reply was steady, full of conviction. “Dad, Marcus won’t see it that way. He thinks ten moves ahead of everyone else. If he’s still willing to let this banquet happen, it means he’s already given me his blessing to use his influence. I can’t promise he and I will last forever, but he’s not the type to go back on his word.”

“Use this chance. You’ve always said the Chandler Group hit a ceiling because of weak connections. This is your opening–take it. Don’t worry about the rest.”

Her father hesitated. “Sophie…tell me honestly. How do you really feel about him? And does he feel anything real for you?”

A shy smile tugged at her lips, her eyes sparkling like fireworks. “I think…he likes me.”

“And me?” Her voice softened to a whisper. “I think I might like him too. Just a little.”

Outside her room, Marcus froze mid–knock, her words spilling into the hallway

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