"Ah..." My father was silent for a long time. "Then... tomorrow's arrangements?"
"Continue. But it's not a surprise for her anymore."
"Understood. I'll arrange it for you, son."

I hung up, feeling a flicker of anticipation for tomorrow. Some people don't deserve good fortune.
All my salary over the years had gone to Sophia. I had the $10,800 because my father gave me a card – unlimited spending.
If things had been normal, this card would have been given to Sophia tomorrow, along with the Bentley Continental GT I was sitting in.
She'd always said she loved this white Bentley.
But now, she wasn't worthy.
I didn't go back to the apartment. Sophia didn't either. After today's confrontation, secrecy was pointless.

Richard had long rented an apartment in the city for her parents. Today, they were more like a family, reuniting.
Sophia looked at Richard with admiration. "Richard, I heard this big company event isn't just for fun? Any inside info?"
She used to look at me that way when I was paying her tuition fees. In her eyes, I was once capable of anything. But now that she had a higher income and a "better" option after graduation, I’d become a stepping stone to be trampled on.
Richard put down his fork. "Just rumors. They say the Chairman found his long-lost child. Tomorrow's event is to introduce the child, to let everyone witness the reunion."

"The Chairman's child?" Sophia was surprised. "What do you mean?"
"Back when the Chairman and his wife started out, they were street vendors. They were so busy they lost their child."
"A boy or a girl?" Sophia pressed.
"Not sure, honestly," Richard admitted.
Sophia sighed, envious. "Whoever it is, they're so lucky. Instant billionaire heir."
Maybe it was the wine, but Richard, who had planned to keep his thoughts quiet, asked, "Sophia, I heard... you're not actually related to your parents by blood?"
Sophia's mother looked displeased. "Richard, what do you mean?"
"Auntie, don't misunderstand," Richard said smoothly. "I was just wondering... could Sophia be connected to the Chairman?"
His words stunned Sophia and her family. Then, excitement flashed in their eyes.
Sophia said, "Don't joke like that. I'm not that lucky."
Richard leaned in seriously. "Think about it. Less than a year in the company, and you're already a department manager?"
"That’s nearly impossible in a major corporation like ours. While I did help, I’m only a manager in one department myself. I don’t have the authority to promote you that quickly.."
Sophia paused. She had thought it was all Richard. But now... maybe not?
And since joining the company, everything had gone smoothly. Good assignments, high salary, crazy bonuses every month...
Could she really be that lucky?
The meal grew livelier with Richard's revelation.
By 10 PM, Sophia's mother looked at Richard. "Richard, it's late. Your son must be scared alone at home. We won't keep you."
Richard cursed inwardly. He had spoken out of turn while tipsy.
Since voicing his suspicion, the family's attitude had shifted subtly.
Before, Sophia's parents fawned over him. Now, their backs were straighter, almost defiant.
Even Sophia seemed a bit distant.
Do they really think I’m a pushover like Mason?
Richard stood up. "You're right. I should get home."
He had stayed over many times before. Even when he didn't, Sophia always walked him out.
This time, Sophia stayed seated.
He stopped at the door, looking back. "Sophia, there's something I need to discuss."
Sophia finally stood and followed him out.
"What I said earlier was just speculation," Richard began. "If you're not the lucky one... well, my 'benefits' might dry up."
Sophia's excitement dimmed; Richard's words were a cold splash of reality.
But what if she was?
Did she really want to tie herself to an older, divorced man with a kid?
If she wasn't the heir, Richard was clearly unhappy. He might ditch her.
Sophia quickly grasped the key point: Richard's interest probably meant he had inside information.
She likely was the heir! Feeling confident, Sophia stood taller. "Richard, you underestimate me. I'm an independent woman. I don't need a sugar daddy."
"Hah!" Richard laughed coldly. "You used Mason and threw him away. Now you want to do the same to me? Sophia, you really are a piece of work. But I'm not like that loser Mason."
"I have... videos. From our very first date. If you get rich and I suffer... those videos might find a buyer."
Sophia paled. "You wouldn't..."
He stroked her cheek. "Feeling good tonight. My son's at Grandma's. Come home with me. We'll go to the event together tomorrow."
Sophia followed Richard out, her face grim, already planning how to handle him once she was the heiress.