Chapter 425 Sophia''s Past
"This was Sophia''s wish. She understood what she meant but she still could not wrap her head around
some of the things she said. Nevertheless, she did not hesitate and promised solemnly. ""Don''t worry,
Grandma. I will do my best to handle the Harvey Group and protect the family. This will be my home in
the future and it will be the ce that I will protect with my life. Grandma, rest assured, I will not let
anything happen to it."" "
"With that, she knelt on the ground andy her head on Sophia''s knee as tears streamed down her
cheeks. "
"She knew that Sophia had always treated her well. She once thought that Sophia cared about her only
because she was aware of Martin''s sins. However, she changed her mind. Sophia had always known
that Tristan was associated with her father''s death. She truly cared about her. Her love and care for her
were irreceable. She was grateful to have met her."
"Belle. Sophia stroked her head, choked by her sobs. ""Back then at Wullen Town, when you refused to
return with Calvin, I knew the reason behind your actions, although everyone else failed to understand
it. You don''t wish to be part of a prestigious family, nor do you wish to bear the responsibilities. It''s too
exhausting. I understand it perfectly well. Hence, I was on tenterhooks. Please forgive me for not
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stopping them from bringing you back as I yearned for your return. Calvin can''t live without you, nor
can we, the Harvey family, survive without you."" "
Belle''s heart was filled with mixed emotions. Sophia was being so honest to her. She truly understood
what was on her mind.
"Living a simple life and growing old with the person she loved was something very precious to her.
However, her future was sealed from the moment Sophiaid her eyes on her. She was fated to bear
many responsibilities. This was her destiny."
"Nevertheless, as time passed, she did not regret it. She loved Calvin. Hence, she would muster the
courage and apany him on this journey, even if there would be lots of challenges and obstacles
ahead. "
"Grandma, don''t worry. I will do my best to handle everything. Since I have already made my decision, I
will not back down, no matter what. I''m not afraid of the challenges ahead and I have never regretted
marrying Calvin, not even when I did, seven years ago. She smiled as tears trickled down her cheeks. "
"Good, good. Sophia was so ecstatic that her hands quivered. She wiped away the tears on her face
and said, ""Your promise put my heart at ease. Even if I die right this second, I will leave knowing that
everything is in good hands."""
Belle held Sophia''s lined hand in hers. Her expression was solemn.
"Belle, all thergepanies in this world have been through lots of ups and downs. You reap what
you sow. Harvey Group has been through many obstacles. It has almost gone bankrupt many times but
there was always someone who stood up for the family and saved thepany despite the struggles.
All this while, the Harvey Group had contributed a lot to society. Some still consider it as private
property and think that it is only natural that we protect it for the sake of our family. However, I have a
different opinion. Everything has a purpose in life. What is special about Harvey Group? Why did we
survive when the others didn''t? In my opinion, those who have gone bankrupt did not contribute
enough to society. Hence, they lost their business. We are the perfect example. The Harvey Group
survived because we never go against our principles to earn money, nor do we take advantage of
others for our own benefits. Only people with integrity and principles can earn money. It''s rare to see
integrity and principles among businessmen. We don''t need to be the best, but we should always abide
by our principles. Sophia nced out of the window as she reminisced about her past. She revealed
everything that was on her mind."
"Belle listened attentively and finally, she understood what was on her mind. She learnt that the Harvey
Group had achieved great heights through hard work and perseverance. It was no miracle. In fact, she
was moved. "
"Belle, I still have some records about the family history and the development of the Harvey Group with
me. I will instruct Ruth to bring them over to Fragrance Garden by today. Do spend some time going
through them when you are free, Sophia said earnestly. "
"Okay, thank you, Grandma. Belle nodded and thanked her."
"Belle, I have gone through a lot in my life. I have always done good, but I am, after all, just a human. I
have my own share of mistakes. Sophia seemed to be filled with anguish as her voice faltered. She
stared nkly ahead, apparently in distress as she looked back on her past. She looked down. "
Belle was startled. Sophia had always been optimistic and confident. She rarely saw her looking so
crestfallen. Was it true that people change once they grow in age? Or was Grandma''s health
deteriorating?"
The thought crossed her mind and she was about to give her some words offort.
"Sophia sighed and closed her eyes. With a heavy heart, she said, ""Belle, Grandma once did
something wrong. I may have my own reasons for acting in that manner but deep down, I knew that I
was being selfish. Every time I recall what happened, I will be gued with guilt."" "
Belle raised her head and looked at her in surprise. Even Sophia had done something wrong in the
past. What was it? Why was she filled with sorrow when she thought about it?
She nced at her sullen expression and wondered. It was truly a shock as she had never seen her in
this manner before.
"She held her hands tightly and attempted tofort her. ""Grandma, we experience many things in
life. It''s only natural for us to make mistakes. So what if you made a mistake? There''s no reason to feel
guilty. Besides, it''s not necessarily your fault."""
Belle tried to encourage her. She even grabbed a porcin cup from the table and fed her some water.
"After taking a few sips of water, Sophia finally calmed down. "
"Belle, listen to what I''m going to say. If I don''t tell you the truth, you won''t understand why I''m so
concerned. If you happen to experience something simr in the future, it will serve to guide you before
you make a decision. "
Belle was silent. Did Sophia really want to tell her the truth? Could she bear the pain and agony again
by talking about her past?
"Just as she was pondering the matter and wondering whether she should stop her, Sophia''s voice
rang. "
"Back then, Evan brought a woman back to the house. A nine-year-old girl tagged along. To be frank, I
was really shocked and distressed. After investigating the matter, I discovered that the woman was just
a prostitute and she was actually married. I was furious when I received the news and I wanted to drive
the woman away. However, Elmore disagreed, as the woman was pregnant, whereas Evan''s wife was
infertile. I did not have a choice and was forced to let her stay. To everyone''s dismay, she suffered a
miscarriage two monthster. The woman was in agony and almostmitted suicide. After
investigating the matter, I realized that Evan''s wife was responsible for the tragedy. She fed her some
abortion pills. Without a doubt, we were in the wrong and we were forced to let her stay. Hence, she
stayed with us for another three years. Three yearster, Evan met MLexie, and MLexie gave birth to
Martin. We were shocked yet delighted when we received the news. After all, we finally have a
grandson. However, we were afraid that Evan''s wife would harm the baby again. Therefore, we made
an excuse and did not allow MLexie to stay with us. Finally, MLexie gave birth to a boy and a girl.
However, I made the wrong decision. I drove the woman and her daughter away. s, after Elmore''s
death, Evan''s wife could no longer tolerate their presence. Besides, the woman''s husband kept
threatening and ckmailing us. I did not really like her from the start and after that incident, I could not
bear it any longer. "
Sophia sighed as she finished telling the story. She seemed to be exasperated as well as feeling guilty.