Sofia strode into the opulent confines of the Tang family residence,

where the air hung heavy with the weight of happiness.

Each member of the family was regrettably in attendance: there was Tang Gui, Sofia's father and the esteemed patriarch of the Tang Empire, alongside Salvia, Sofia's mother, whose lineage traced back to the prestigious Lu Chairman, ranking among the top five families in the capital.

What had begun as a strategic business alliance had blossomed into a deep, abiding love over time. Tang Gui's unwavering devotion to his wife was a well-known fact within their circle.

Seated beside the couple were the siblings: Tang San, the eldest brother, exuding an air of authority; Tang Fan, also known by his artistic alias, Josh, the second brother; and at the end of the familial spectrum, Tang Min, whose sarcastic grin greeted Sofia upon her arrival.

Meanwhile, Tang Mia occupied the space between her parents, a picture of familial unity tainted only by Sofia's starkly contrasting presence.

As Sofia navigated the familial terrain, a cold realization settled upon her. "It seems they are a complete family, and my mere existence is a discordant note in their harmony," she mused to herself with icy detachment.

Determined to retreat into solitude, Sofia made a beeline for the dining hall, intent on completing her dinner and seeking refuge in the sanctuary of her room.

However, her solitude was short-lived as Tang Mia's voice pierced through the silence, disrupting Sofia's plans. "Sister, I understand the challenges you face at Ohio High School, with its rigorous academic standards.

However, submitting a blank paper is simply not acceptable," Tang Mia's words, tinged with a hint of pride, betrayed an underlying sense of joy at the opportunity to offer counsel.

Before Sofia could interject, Tang Gui's disappointment washed over her like a wave, drowning out any chance of defense. "You are a disappointment," his words echoed in Sofia's mind, a painful reminder of her perceived failings despite the privileges bestowed upon her.

Sofia's inner monologue cut through the familial tension like a knife, recognizing Tang Mia's subtle manipulation of the situation.

"It appears Tang Mia has already woven her web of deceit, rendering any attempt at defense futile," Sofia reflected, a cold smirk dancing upon her lips as she formulated her next move. With a calculated glint in her eyes, she proposed a wager, daring the family to doubt her abilities.

"If you doubt me, let us make a wager," she declared with a tone as cold as ice. "If I emerge victorious, you shall owe me 100 million. Should I falter, I shall quietly acquiesce to one of your demands."

Her bold proclamation elicited surprise from the Tang family, who dismissed it as a futile gesture of defiance.

Little did they realize the steely resolve that lay beneath Sofia's seemingly delicate exterior.

After silently concluding her meal, Sofia retreated to the seclusion of her room, her mind already calculating her next move in this intricate game of familial politics.

Meanwhile, at the Roy Mansion,

Christ's reaction to Sofia's message sent ripples of unease through the air. His cold smile spoke volumes, betraying a depth of calculation that sent shivers down the spines of his loyal bodyguards.

With a decisive command, he ordered the retrieval of bodies near the black market alley, and demanded a thorough investigation into the girl he had ordered to be eliminated.

As Sofia's detailed dossier was presented to him, Christ's interest was piqued.

A chuckle escaped his lips, breaking the tense silence that hung in the air. His eyes glittered with a predatory gleam as he pondered the prey that was Sofia.

What had caused this sudden transformation in an otherwise ordinary girl?

Was it a genuine metamorphosis, or merely an elaborate facade? The question lingered in the air, stirring the depths of Christ's curiosity and setting the stage for the unfolding drama yet to come.