Chapter 261
Chapter 261:
With an exaggerated eye roll, she shouted, “Yes, sir!” I pressed my lips together, doing everything I could not to let her see how amusing I found her frustration.
When I stepped into the study, she followed close behind, her heavy steps full of annoyance.
She stopped at the threshold and glared at me. “All right. What do you want to talk to me about p>
My eyes flicked to my desk as I fought the urge to say something I’d regret. This definitely wasn’t the time to let my imagination run wild.
𝘛𝗿𝖾ո𝘥і𝗇 𝘰𝗻
“You’re out of this competition, Sophia. I’m not letting you participate p>
“What did you just say?” she shouted, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“You heard me. I said you’re not competing this time,” I replied firmly.
She stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing as if I’d just told a joke.
“Excuse me, Mr. Kelley? Did you just say I can’t participate in the dance competition? Since when did you become my manager?” she mocked, still laughing. “Are you in charge of me now p>
“I’m not joking, Sophia p>
“Oh, I believe you.” She went serious all of a sudden and gave me a look. “It’s just funny, considering I don’t remember the last time you spoke to me without reminding me you’re serious p>
I frowned in frustration.
“What’s with this sudden concern about my decisions, Daniel? Why do you care now?” She crossed her arms and tilted her head.
“You’re wrong, Sophia. I’m not interested in running your life, and honestly, I don’t care to get involved p>
“Then why are you trying to keep me out of the finals? What’s with all this sudden interference?” She shot me a furious look and raised her voice.
“Those bruises aren’t just your problem. They reflect on me too. I have a reputation to maintain, Sophia p>
Her laughter rang through the room—sharp and scornful.
“So is this about winning for attention, or is it the money that drives you p>
“That’s my business, Mr. Kelley. Whatever I want from this competition is none of your concern.” She clenched her teeth and held my gaze.
Despite her words, I fought the savage urge to close the distance and silence her with a kiss.
“If this is really about helping the typhoon survivors in Amador City, you can withdraw now. I’ll personally donate double the winner’s prize to the relief fund p>
She laughed again, as if my offer were some kind of joke. “Go ahead, Mr. Kelley. Double it, triple it—throw all the money you want. Honestly, I couldn’t care less!” she exclaimed, folding her arms and lifting her chin in defiance.
My breath caught, and I clenched my fists, trying not to react.
“Honestly, you can do whatever you want with your money. It doesn’t affect me at all. But don’t think for a second I’m going to drop out of this competition just because you say so. You’re not in charge of me, so stop interfering in my life p>
When I reached for her arm, she yanked away, hissing in pain as my hand brushed her bruise.