As Leo's words echoed in the room, a deathly silence fell.
Sophia's body trembled, her face drained of color. A thin sheen of sweat beaded on her forehead, glistening as it rolled down the side of her face. Her hands clenched tightly into fists, fingernails digging into her palms. It was evident — she had made a decision deep in her heart.
She inhaled sharply, then raised her head to look at Ava Carter. Turning to point at David, who still sat stunned nearby, she said firmly, "Miss Ava, everything that's happened... none of it was what we ever expected."
"The real source of all this disaster—" she paused, her eyes burning with disgust as they locked onto David, "—is this good-for-nothing husband of mine!"
"So I, Sophia, have made up my mind…"
She took another breath, her voice firm and emotionless now.
"I'm divorcing David!"
BOOM!
The words struck like thunder.
David jumped to his feet, as if electrocuted. His face twisted in shock and disbelief as he stumbled toward Sophia, panic gripping every step.
"W-What are you saying?" he stammered. "Why divorce me now, when everything is just fine?"
But before he could even reach her—
SMACK!
Sophia slapped him hard across the face.
Her eyes were red with tears, but her voice shook with fury. "David! I treated you well! I stood by you despite everything—but you... you went against me and my family again and again!"
"I… I didn't…" David clutched his burning cheek, dazed, and reached out helplessly toward her.
But Sophia kicked him back without hesitation. He stumbled, collapsing to the floor. Her gaze was filled with rage and pain.
"You dare say you didn't?" she screamed. "You're arrogant, selfish, and delusional! You even had the nerve to spout nonsense in front of Miss Ava Carter!"
"You… you're going to drag down the entire Ava family in Riverdale!"
David panicked, scrambling to his feet. "No! The Ava family is nothing to me! Just wait—"
SMACK!
Another slap resounded through the room — louder and fiercer.
Ava Carter's expression froze in place.
Before anyone could react, Leo had appeared out of nowhere beside David and delivered a powerful slap to his face.
[The Ghostly Body of the Lackey] activated.
David's ears rang. His mind went blank. He didn't even see it coming.
"Wha—when did he move?!"
Even if his powers were damaged and not fully restored, he should've seen a simple bodyguard's movements. But Leo was impossibly fast—unnaturally so.
Leo glared down at David, then turned calmly to Sophia.
"Miss Sophia," he said with composure, "if you're serious about divorcing this man, now's the perfect time."
"Our Miss Ava values relationships with people who are wise and decisive."
Leo's heart practically danced with joy. He had just publicly punished David—the infamous Dragon King—for Ava Carter. Surely, she would be pleased!
She must be mentally praising me right now!
Or so Leo thought.
In reality, Ava's mind was racing in an entirely different direction.
Leo!! You actually dared to hit the Dragon King AGAIN?!
Although it was thrilling to watch… you idiot!! You might've just made everything worse.
For Ava, this was turning into a complete disaster. David — the Dragon King — had always been fiercely protective of Sophia. Even when he suffered public humiliation in their past life, he refused to divorce her. Sophia was his weakness, his reverse scale.
And now… Leo had just poured oil on the fire.
David's fury would be directed not just at Sophia — but at Leo, and maybe even Ava herself.
There was no turning back now.
Sophia, meanwhile, swallowed hard and looked at Ava for confirmation.
Ava didn't speak. Her expression remained calm, giving nothing away. But Sophia understood. The message was clear: get rid of this burden, and we'll be allies.
David, this foolish man, had already brought her too much trouble.
The only reason she hadn't divorced him already was because her grandfather had insisted he was chosen by the former Dragon King himself. And her grandfather, still hospitalized, wasn't in a state to object.
But now...
Sophia had no choice. If she delayed any longer, she might miss her chance to align with the Ava family completely.
She looked at David coldly. A deep breath. Decision made.
"Wan—" David tried to speak.
SMACK!
"Shut up!"
Sophia struck him again.
David froze, stunned and speechless.
"I've made my decision, David," she said coldly. "I'm divorcing you."
"I'll have the papers sent to you. Once you sign them, I'll even arrange a divorce fee."
David's mind shattered.
Divorce…? This couldn't be happening.
But Sophia turned away from him and bowed slightly toward Ava Carter.
"Miss Ava," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "does this satisfy you?"
"Can the Ava family forgive us for our earlier offense?"
Ava sighed inwardly. Things had gone even further off course than in the previous timeline.
In their past life, David had revealed his true identity only after Sophia had pushed him to divorce. Now, things had escalated far faster.
She glanced sideways at Leo, who returned to her side with a proud and loyal grin.
You fool. You absolute fool. After this, I'm dragging you away for a long talk!
Leo, however, was still caught up in the thrill.
He looked from Sophia to David, who now sat stunned and silent.
"Heh… if they really go through with this divorce, does that make me a hero in this story? Maybe I'll get a big reward."
Then Leo's gaze drifted, noticing someone else nearby.
Damian Langford, who had been standing at the doorway all this time.
Leo leaned over and whispered to Ava, "Miss, Damian has been standing there for a while now."
Ava blinked, suddenly remembering.
She looked toward the doorway where Damian Langford stood, arms respectfully folded, a stack of large boxes behind him.
What was this now? Gifts? Another declaration of loyalty?
Could this too be Leo's doing?
Her gaze narrowed.
"President Langford," she called out, "what brings you to my quiet villa today?"
Damian understood immediately — she was probing.
He bowed politely. "Miss Ava, it was because of Master Leo's words yesterday. His guidance opened my eyes."
"So today, I come bearing gifts from the Antique City Club, and a desire to offer my services to you."
Antique City Club?!
Sophia's jaw dropped.
Even the president of the prestigious Antique City Club was swearing allegiance to Ava Carter?
Her respect for Ava deepened further.
Ava Carter wasn't just powerful—she was untouchable now.
But Ava… was stunned herself.
What happened while I took a short nap?!
And what the hell was Leo up to this time?
Master Leo?? That's what Damian called him?
She clenched her fists at her side, keeping her smile intact.
After they leave, Leo. I'm getting every single detail out of you. You're not escaping this time.
--