"Worse than a pig"—the insult made Joanna Sherman tremble from head to toe!

She had been coddled her entire life, and the most severe criticism she had ever received was just a few gentle reminders.

Never in her life had she imagined that the word "pig" would one day be associated with her!

Elias Underwood felt a vicious satisfaction from the scolding, but his heart felt like it was about to explode with anguish.

He had abandoned everything to come to Zenith, all to build a grand legacy, to surpass history, to surpass everyone!

But reality had dealt him the cruelest of slaps.

Retribution!

This was all his retribution!

It was heaven’s punishment for looking down on Sophia Shaw!

Elias Underwood couldn’t stand to look at the pair for another second and strode down from the launch tower.

Joanna Sherman cried in Vincent Grant’s arms for a long, long time before coming down, looking utterly wretched.

"SURPRISE!"

Just as they reached the entrance, a shower of champagne rained down on them.

Countless colorful ribbons shot out from above, draping over both Joanna Sherman and Vincent Grant.

Sharon Sherman suddenly popped out with several dozen people.

"Congratulations to our hero! Congratulations, Sis, on the successful rocket launch!"

Sharon Sherman announced with excitement and pride, "My sister has finally become the most incredible woman in all of Cathan!"

The girls behind her shouted in unison:

"Congratulations, congratulations."

"Amazing, amazing!"

Led by Sharon Sherman, they started performing a cheerful cheerleading routine.

Watching the chaotic mob, Joanna Sherman’s already pale face flushed crimson. She clutched her chest, looking as if she were about to collapse. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

For Sharon Sherman to say such things at this moment was no different than slapping her across the face!

"Sharon Sherman, are you here to humiliate me too?"

Sharon Sherman stopped and looked at Joanna Sherman, completely baffled. "Sis, what are you talking about? Didn’t Aunt already buy the press releases and announce your successful rocket launch?"

The moment Sharon Sherman saw the announcement, she had gathered everyone and rushed over.

Cell phones weren’t allowed at the launch site, so they had all left theirs in the car.

Sharon Sherman had used her connection with Chad Jennings to get a press pass and had entered openly as a reporter.

But she hadn’t stayed with the other reporters, instead finding a separate spot to wait for Joanna Sherman.

So she knew nothing about the failed rocket launch.

"Have you gone crazy with joy?"

’Launching two satellites at once—it’s normal to go crazy with joy.’

With that thought, Sharon Sherman loudly called out to her friends, "Come on, everyone! Let’s keep congratulating my sister on successfully sending her satellites into orbit!"

"Congratulations, congratulations."

"Joanna Sherman is number one! Joanna Sherman is number one!"

The dozens of girls cheered with extra gusto, their unified voices echoing through Zenith.

With every shout, it felt like a slap across Joanna Sherman’s face.

With every jump, it felt like a kick to her chest.

SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP!

THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP...

And Joanna Sherman soon discovered that the humiliation was far from its peak.

Behind Sharon Sherman and her group, a dense crowd of reporters was staring at them with expressions of confusion, shock, contempt, and as if looking at a lunatic.

The cameras in their hands were capturing every moment...

"AHHHHHHHHH!"

Joanna Sherman’s shrill, desperate scream pierced the heavens.

「In the early hours of the morning」, Old Master Sloan’s surgery was finally over.

The surgery was considered a success.

But due to excessive blood loss, he was not completely out of danger.

It was still unknown when he would wake up.

The news shattered what little strength Sophia Shaw had been holding onto, and her body went limp, starting to slide down.

Samuel Goldman and Jacobs quickly caught her.

"Go back and get some rest," Samuel Goldman urged.

Sophia Shaw knew she still had important things to take care of. She couldn’t collapse now.

She nodded.

Samuel Goldman stayed to keep an eye on Old Master Sloan and had Jacobs take her home.

"Sophie."

Downstairs, Lillian Forrest and Jenson Forrest were at the entrance.

Lillian Forrest called out to her softly.

Sophia Shaw looked up and saw deep worry etched on both their faces.

"We heard about Old Master Sloan... Are you okay?"

Supported by Jenson Forrest, Lillian Forrest came up to Sophia Shaw, her hands searching for Sophia’s.

Sophia Shaw took the initiative to grasp them.

Lillian Forrest’s palms were warm.

"How did you know something happened to my mentor?" Sophia Shaw asked, forcing herself to stay alert.

Lillian Forrest’s face turned slightly toward Jenson Forrest.

Jenson Forrest had been at the launch site today, standing in the crowd on the viewing platform, and had seen the moment Old Master Sloan fell.

"We... heard it from someone," Lillian Forrest said softly, knowing her brother wasn’t ready to speak up.

Sophia Shaw let out a soft "Oh," only then noticing how late it had gotten.

"How long have you been waiting here?"

"Not too long," Jenson Forrest replied.

In reality, he had followed her ever since she left the base.

When Lillian Forrest heard that Sophia Shaw’s mentor was injured, she had insisted on coming to be with Sophia, and her driver brought her over later.

The two of them felt it would be presumptuous to go upstairs, so they could only wait downstairs.

"Sophie, why don’t you let us take you home?"

Afraid she would refuse, Lillian Forrest quickly explained, "We’re heading home anyway, so it’s on the way."

Sophia Shaw was too exhausted to drive herself home, and Jacobs had also been busy all night.

So she nodded and got into their car.

Jenson Forrest drove.

As she got in, his head was slightly turned, his expression filled with deep sympathy.

Sophia Shaw sat quietly.

So much had happened in one day.

Though she was utterly exhausted, her mind was a chaotic mess.

Lillian Forrest thoughtfully handed her a blanket. "Sophie, this blanket has never been used. You should use it."

Sophia Shaw didn’t even have the strength to respond.

Lillian Forrest quietly unfolded it and, feeling her way, draped it over her.

The warmth enveloped her, slowly chasing away the chill in her heart.

Jenson Forrest drove with exceptional steadiness. His long fingers pressed a button on the center console, and incredibly soft music began to flow out.

About twenty minutes later, Lillian Forrest heard the sound of shallow breathing beside her.

She exclaimed in a delighted whisper, "Faye’s asleep!"

The man in front remained silent, his gentle gaze fixed on her sleeping face in the rearview mirror as he drove even more smoothly.

When Sophia Shaw woke up, the sky was already bright.

She was still in the car.

The car was still moving.

"Are we not there yet?" she asked.

"Sophie, we’re almost there!"

Lillian Forrest replied quickly. A moment later, the car came to a steady stop in front of Sophia Shaw’s residential complex.

The man’s slender fingers opened the car door, his gentle gaze resting on her.

"Thank you," Sophia Shaw said sincerely.

’It only takes an hour to get from the hospital to my place. Jenson Forrest must have been driving for so long just so I could sleep a little better. It was probably Lillian Forrest’s idea.’

Sophia Shaw turned and patted her cheek. "Lil, thank you for putting up with this long drive for me."

"It was no trouble at all. I was happy to be able to keep you company, Faye."

Lillian Forrest looked at her brother. "Actually, it was my brother who was worried you wouldn’t be able to sleep when you got home, so he suggested driving around for a while. Sophie, he’s happiest if you can get some good rest."

’I have to reveal something to Sophie,’ Lillian thought. ’Otherwise, my brother will be stuck in the same place forever.’

Sophia Shaw was taken aback.

’I didn’t expect the suggestion to have come from Jenson Forrest. But then again, he’s always been a gentle and meticulous person. It’s understandable he would do something like this out of sympathy.’

Still, she said again, "Mr. Forrest, thank you for your trouble."

"It was no trouble."

’He was more than willing to do something for her. Driving around all night wasn’t tiring at all; he only felt the time was too short.’

Jenson Forrest gave a polite nod and took a step back.

"Miss Shaw, you still have a lot to do. There’s no need for formalities. You should go and get busy."

Sophia Shaw indeed didn’t have much time to waste, so she turned and left.

Listening to the sound of her receding footsteps, Lillian Forrest sighed softly.

’I wonder if Sophie really took what I just said to heart. Oh well, she has so much to do. We can talk about it later.’

Sophia Shaw returned home, quickly washed her face, and went to check on Bun.

Bun was still fast asleep, so she didn’t disturb him.

She changed her clothes and headed straight for the company.

Jacobs was already there. When he saw her, he said, "Boss, the police have finished their investigation. They’re waiting for you in your office."