Sophia pulled out five hundred dollars and laid it on the table.
"Today's coffee is on me," she said with a calm smile. "Let's call it my treat—just two women being civil. But, Miss Nelson, if you ever spread another lie like that…" She leaned in slightly, her voice turning sharp. "You'll be forcing me to dig up proof myself."
She flashed one last poised smile and turned to leave. As she walked out, Riley's eyes widened—the woman who'd just begged for her autograph was now walking side by side with Sophia.
"She played me?" Riley hissed. Her manicured fingers curled into fists, knuckles whitening. "Sophia… you'll regret this."
Outside the café, Harper beamed. "So? How'd I do? Pretty convincing, right?"
Sophia gave her a look. "Drop the act. Riley's not the type to back off easily. I'll need someone to keep an eye on her."
"You still don't trust Lucas?" Harper teased.
