Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 358: Chapter 358

After everyone left, Rick finally let out a breath.
As long as they all agreed with his plan, things would get a lot easier.
"Mr. White, are we really doing the right thing?" one of his close men walked over, clearly worried.
"Shawn's too stubborn," Rick said with a cold snort. "It's his luck that Sophia's even willing to marry him. But instead of being grateful, he keeps messing around with some low-class nobody. I'm just setting things right."
"Still, Mr. White, I think this might be a bit—" the man hesitated.
"Shut up!" Rick snapped. "Shawn's the one making a scene. We're just going along with it."
He believed that one day, Shawn would understand what he did for him and be thankful.
"Go tell Sophia to get ready," Rick ordered. "At the reception, she has to hold her ground. If she messes it up, she'll bring shame to the White family."
His man had no choice but to obey.
Back at home, Sophia was still fuming. She ignored her parents and brothers and locked herself in her room.
She had planned to ruin Zoe today—but instead, she was the one humiliated in public. Luckily, no one knew she was behind it all. If that got out, things would be much worse for her.
Still, after what happened today, Sophia started to think that someone on Zoe's side might be watching her. She had to find someone to act as her weapon. She couldn't let Zoe stay this smug.
Just then, Rick's man called her about joining the international reception.
Sophia didn't trust him, so she called Rick directly.
Rick was still working on the next step of his plan when he saw her name on the screen and picked up.
"Rick, what's the meaning of this? Your man called me—what, you want me to go and make a fool of myself in public?" Sophia snapped.
"He didn't explain why I want you at the reception?" Rick asked.
Sophia said, "Your idea sounds good, but only if Shawn plays along. The way he's acting, like he'd marry no one but Zoe, how are we supposed to stop him?
"What if I show up and call myself his fiancée, and he shuts me down in front of everyone? That would be a public slap in the face to the White family."
Sophia already knew deep down that Shawn would never love her. But she just couldn't accept it. She thought she was good enough, so she didn't understand why Shawn chose Zoe over her.
Rick sneered. "You really are clueless. This whole thing is a plan I worked out with the top Elders. You think it's just you trying to force a tie with Shawn? You don't have that kind of power.
"Don't worry. When the time comes, people will put pressure on him. He won't be able to deny being in a relationship with you."
"Then don't you think I should at least know the plan?" Sophia said sweetly, but deep down she was furious.
They were clearly using her as a pawn. They said it was to help her, but in truth, they just didn't want Shawn to marry a girl from a low background.
Still, Sophia had no choice. Even if she knew she was being used, she had to agree—she needed to get her pride back.
Rick said, "We can't tell you the details. If you know too much, your acting might seem fake and tip Shawn off.
"Sophia, don't underestimate this plan. If it works, you'll be the one he's officially engaged to. You won't have to worry about Zoe ever again. You need to give it your all, got it?"
"Got it, Rick. I'll do everything I can." Sophia had no idea what the plan was, and she knew she was just being used—but she still had to thank Rick for it. She felt like no one had it worse than her.
After hanging up, Sophia was still full of anger. She couldn't be the only one suffering. She had to make sure Zoe paid the price too.
The next day, Sophia went to the prison.
Eunice got excited the moment she saw her. "So? I did good, right? We finally gonna take Zoe down this time!"
"Take her down, my ass. I totally overestimated you," Sophia snapped. "I can't believe how bad your acting was. You got exposed in seconds."
She blamed everything on Eunice instead of admitting her plan had any flaws. Eunice was still hoping Sophia would help her get out, but Sophia's attitude left her stunned.
"Ms. White, I did everything you told me to do. You promised to help me. Are you going back on your word now?" she asked. "And... wasn't Zoe convicted?"
"Shut up!" Sophia shouted, not bothering to answer.
Eunice had no one left. Her family didn't care about her. If Sophia didn't help her, she'd be stuck in prison for years, which would ruin her youth. And once she got out, the world wouldn't be the same.
Sophia stared at her coldly. "Why would I help someone who's useless to me?"
That hit Eunice hard. She panicked. "I-I'm not useless. Just give me another chance. I swear I won't let Zoe off this time."
Seeing Eunice desperate to prove herself, Sophia asked, "You really mean it? You'll do anything for me?"
"Of course. Just get me out of here. I'll do whatever you say, even if it's dangerous," Eunice said.
"Good." Sophia smiled. "If you're that serious, I'd be a bad friend if I didn't help you."
Eunice's eyes lit up. "Ms. White, you'll really get me out? I'll do whatever you say, I swear."
She was ready to risk everything if it meant getting out of prison.
"I already talked to my lawyer," Sophia said. "With your charges, you're looking at no less than ten years."
"Ten years? No way. I can't do that!" Eunice screamed in panic.
"Calm down. That's why I'm here," Sophia said. "I do have a way to get you out—but you have to do exactly what I say. From now on, your life is mine."
"Okay! As long as you get me out, I'll do whatever you want!" Eunice was all in.
Sophia leaned in and whispered her plan to take Zoe's place.
Eunice got excited. Someone was finally helping her escape. Even if she had to lay low overseas for a while, it was still better than rotting in prison.
"It's settled then," she said. "Just wait for my good news."
As Sophia walked away, Eunice looked at her with deep gratitude. She was lucky to still have a connection like Sophia. Otherwise, she'd be completely out of options.
In her heart, Eunice swore—once she got out, she'd make Zoe pay.
After leaving the prison, Sophia immediately made a phone call.
"Ms. White—you're calling me?" The man on the other end sounded both surprised and thrilled.
"You once said you loved me and would do anything for me. Does that still hold true?" Sophia asked.
The man answered eagerly, "Of course! I'd walk through fire for you."
Sophia chuckled. "Good. I need you to do me a favor. I want someone released from prison. Just take care of the logistics—I'll find someone else to take her place."