Queen Mommy's Six Genius Babies Found the CEO Daddy-Chapter 176: Cheap Tricks

Vivian’s smile froze.

Jenny stared at her in disbelief.

When did Sophia even manage to call Lucas?

"Sweetheart, if it’s ruining your mood, we’ll go grab a late-night snack instead."

Lucas’s voice was calm, controlled—yet there was unmistakable anger simmering underneath.

"Okay. I’ll come to you in a minute."

Sophia hung up and immediately turned to Jenny with a bright smile, pretending to be surprised.

"Oh my—Miss Cooper, why aren’t you talking anymore? You sounded so excited earlier. Does mocking me bring you some kind of temporary inner peace? If so... don’t stop on my account."

Jenny’s face turned an ugly shade of blue.

"Sophia, the way you manipulate people is disgusting!"

"Oh? Really? And that lovely shade of green on your face is just beautiful~"

Sophia let out a light laugh, rising to her feet as she looked lazily at Vivian.

"She’s your sister, but you should know this—I’m not going to keep tolerating you just because you once saved Lucas."

As she walked past Jenny, something caught her interest.

Suddenly, she reached out and pinched Jenny’s chin.

Jenny yelped softly, stumbling backward from the pain.

"What’s wrong? Can’t handle a little discomfort? Jenny, don’t go around trashing me just because your sister couldn’t get what she wanted. And most importantly—I, Sophia, earned my place with my own name and my own reputation, not because of Lucas. I suggest you figure out who I really am before you think you’re qualified to stand here and speak to me. Otherwise... I’m not someone who enjoys being provoked."

With that, she let go, gave Jenny a slow, deep look, and walked away.

When Lucas saw her, his brows were still drawn together tightly.

Sophia stepped closer and placed her finger between them.

"You’re still young. Frowning too much gives you lines."

"Did they upset you?"

"Not really. And look, I gave you face—I didn’t even touch Vivian. I’m hungry. I want steak."

Lucas pulled her into his arms, voice low and steady.

"Alright."

They had barely taken a few steps when a voice echoed behind them.

"Lucas."

Sophia’s brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

Someone really didn’t know her place.

"Vivian."

She hurried toward them—wearing nothing but a bath towel.

Sophia immediately went on alert when she saw her state of dress.

Vivian picked up her pace, getting closer and closer—

Then suddenly—

"Ah!"

Vivian let out a startled cry as she pitched forward.

Before Lucas could reach out, Sophia moved first—grabbing Vivian, spinning her around, and wrapping the slipping towel securely around her.

It all happened in a single smooth motion.

Vivian stared at her, stunned.

"You..."

"Miss Cooper, the floor here is slippery. You should be careful. You’re lucky it was me who caught you. Next time... who knows? If it’s a guy, your little towel might not be enough to protect your innocence~"

Sophia flashed her a half-smile as she helped her stand. Vivian shoved her away instantly.

"You!"

"Vivian, are you alright?"

Lucas’s voice cut in at just the right moment, pulling Sophia back into his arms, their fingers intertwining tightly.

Vivian swallowed her irritation, forcing out a strained smile.

"Thank you, Sophia. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve fallen."

"It’s good you’re fine, Miss Cooper. If there’s nothing else, Lucas and I will be leaving now."

"Wait, Lucas—actually, I wanted to say... Since it’s such a coincidence meeting here, why don’t we all grab dinner? Think of it as my way of thanking Sophia."

"I’m sorry, but you probably don’t know this—I specifically had my kids taken elsewhere so I could spend some alone time with my wife. I’m not looking to be disturbed. If anything, we can talk once we’re back at the company."

Jenny walked over just then. When she saw Lucas, surprise flickered unmistakably in her eyes.

She had seen him online before—but in person, he was far more breathtaking.

Lucas shot her a cold glance.

"Vivian, keep your sister in line. I don’t ever want to hear her—or anyone—slandering my wife again. Sophia is kind by nature. She doesn’t argue. She doesn’t fight. But I’m not like her. I can do everything she doesn’t want to do."

Vivian’s heart jolted.

That warning wasn’t only for Jenny—it was for her, too.

"Sophia, don’t take it to heart. Jenny’s still young. She didn’t mean it."

"Being young isn’t an excuse. You don’t get to make mistakes and walk away with a simple ’sorry.’ People are raised—taught—how to behave. Miss Cooper, we’ll take our leave. Goodbye."

Sophia smiled, took Lucas’s hand, and left with him.

Their interlocked fingers were like a blinding light—an eyesore to certain onlookers.

"Sis, she’s not even half as good as you! And you saved Lucas’s life. How could she imply—"

"Enough. Shut up!"

Jenny froze.

Her sister... yelled at her?

"If it weren’t for you today, would Sophia have gotten the chance to complain in front of him? Lucas’s impression of me is worse than ever. I’m warning you—learn some boundaries."

"Sis..."

"Don’t call me that. We’re half-sisters, nothing more. Don’t act like we’re close."

The elegant, well-mannered Vivian was gone—in her place was someone who genuinely frightened Jenny.

They both knew the truth, but had never torn the facade so brutally before.

Their harmony was nothing but surface-level.

Jenny lowered her head, hiding every trace of emotion.

"...I understand, Vivian."

Vivian took a deep breath, brows furrowing.

Running into Lucas tonight had thrown her off. Sophia’s methods were sharper than she expected. This was the first time she had met such a formidable rival.

When rumors spread that Sophia had died weeks ago, she hadn’t even had time to celebrate before Sophia came back perfectly fine.

Wasn’t she being played for a fool?

Sophia was the type who hated betrayal. Even though she and Lucas loved each other deeply, Vivian knew Sophia would never tolerate disloyalty.

If she could somehow win Lucas over... maybe Sophia would walk away.

She needed to think carefully.

...

On the other side—

Lucas glanced at the quiet woman next to him and chuckled softly.

"Don’t tell me you’re jealous."

"Jealous? Please. I drink sulfuric acid for breakfast. Those low-level white lotuses? I don’t even notice them."

Sophia scoffed, utterly dismissive.

Neither of the women earlier could compare to her—why would she be upset?

"She did save my life. And even though I helped get Jenny into the entertainment industry, that doesn’t erase the debt. For now... I can only let you be wronged a little."

"No. You’re wrong."

"Oh?"

"She saved you. As your wife, I should thank her. But that doesn’t give her the right to stand on my head and act superior."

Sophia tightened her grip on his hand and faced him squarely.

"I don’t like feeling wronged. If someone makes me feel that way, I’ll make sure they regret it. Understand?"

Her eyes were serious—deadly serious.

Lucas couldn’t help pulling her into his arms.

"Don’t worry. Anyone who bullies my woman is bullying me. If she dares, I won’t show mercy either."

Sophia arched a brow, about to respond when—

"Well, well. Didn’t expect City A to be so small. Fancy running into you two here. Hugging in public—think that sets a good example?"

That voice alone was enough to make someone want to punch him.

Sophia turned.

Devin stood there in loud floral swim trunks, cigarette dangling from his lips—looking every bit the shameless troublemaker.