C4 Young Man!

Sonia Reed slid back into the car, once again embodying the elegance and confidence that defined her.

Connor let out a light chuckle. "Money-Squandering has a few new handsome faces today. Care to check them out?"

Money-Squandering was a well-known spot for lavish entertainment.

"I've only just reclaimed my single status," Sonia replied.

With a twinkle in his eye and a hint of mystery in his tone, Connor teased, "Actually, there's someone who's eager to meet you."

"Who might that be?"

"You'll recognize them when you see them."

After a moment's contemplation, Sonia nodded in agreement. "Okay, then."

Connor had a private room reserved at Money-Squandering. As they entered, the figure lounging on the sofa stood up and turned to look their way.

He was a young man, barely into his twenties, with a towering height. His eyes sparkled as he caught sight of her.

"Sis, we meet again."

The young man seemed familiar to Sonia, yet she couldn't quite place him.

"Don't you remember? Six years ago, you and your dad sponsored a poor student from County M!"

With Connor's prompt, the memory clicked into place for Sonia.

"Ryan Dwyer?"

His expression softened, and with a warm smile, he confirmed, "Yes, it's me."

Ryan was a natural conversationalist. Sonia had heard from Connor that Ryan had made a name for himself as a sought-after model, having left behind his impoverished roots to become a celebrity in City A.

Sonia, not one to follow tabloids, felt a surge of pride upon hearing of his success.

Their conversation flowed easily, but as they were about to leave, a startling incident occurred near the bar. A green bottle hurtled toward Sonia's head.

In a swift, protective gesture, Ryan was quicker. He pulled her into his arms, and the bottle crashed against his back with a resounding thud.

"Are you okay?" Sonia asked, concern etched on her face as she inspected his back for injuries. Thankfully, he was unharmed. She then fixed a steely gaze in the direction from which the bottle had come.

To her shock, it was Axel Fuller!

"You're cheating on my brother!"

Axel, who had been drinking with friends, had spotted Sonia entering the private room with two men. Enraged by their jovial interaction, he had impulsively thrown the bottle.

Connor was ready to confront the situation head-on, sleeves rolled up, "Looks like someone's itching for a fight."

Sonia held Connor back, asserting, "I'll handle this."

She approached Axel with measured steps.

"The bottle didn't hit you," Axel said defensively.

Sonia's face was a mask of calm, but her eyes were icy. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time."

"What's that?"

"You're insufferable, you know that? I was married to your brother for five years, and not once did you call me sister-in-law. I looked after you during school, after school, and yet you've never shown me an ounce of respect."

Axel opened his mouth to retort, but Sonia cut him off sharply, "Shut up."

She continued, her voice firm, "I'm divorced from your brother now. I owe nothing to your family. My personal life is none of your business. If you keep this up, I won't hesitate to call the police."

Axel's face turned beet red, but he was at a loss for words.

Without another glance at him, Sonia turned on her heel and walked away.